An Economic Engine
Making A Difference In Martinsville
Provided by by Earl Dodrill,Dean of Applied Science and Engineering, Patrick Henry Community College
Colliding headlong into the realities of the 21st century, one small community found the manufacturing economy of the 20th century to be at least slipping away and at worst gone. Thousands lost their jobs seemingly overnight in a community where even a few hundred jobs lost have an immediate negative impact. A proud community with a rich history in tobacco, textiles, furniture, and racing is, for the first time, struggling to survive. The "Hillbilly Highway" that once brought workers to this region for jobs is now carrying them away. Relying on one of its remaining strengths, the community has turned to the racing industry for some answers. Two years ago, Patrick Henry Community College took a leap of faith in establishing the state's only Community College Motorsports training pro-gram. The college was acting on the idea that the nation's fastest growing sport would generate jobs. The college and regional economic developers hoped to create a bright spot in a miserable local economy devastated by industry closings and downsizings.
Already, positive impact has been experienced. Regional dirt track and Late Model stockers have taken courses to improve their competi-tiveness. From engines and body fabrication to marketing and managing a motorsports business, they are reaping the rewards. Others have found employment in the industry on teams and in related businesses. Community and individuals have been rewarded by the reality of the college's dream come true.
The motorsports industry has provided the economic engine to drive the opportunities and employment for these and several others. The community is preparing itself for race teams, engine builders, fabrication shops, and many other related motorsports businesses to locate. You might say Martinsville is ready to go racin' with some proven capable crewmembers.