NCMA Awards - Andretti Portrait

NCMA ANNOUNCES 2026 NORTH CAROLINA MOTORSPORTS INDUSTRY AWARD HONOREES, HEADLINED BY GLOBAL RACING ICON MARIO ANDRETTI

03/30/2026 | North Carolina Motorsports Association | , ,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 30, 2026) — The North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) today announced this year’s class of honorees for the 19th Annual North Carolina Motorsports Industry Awards, headlined by international motorsports legend Mario Andretti as the recipient of the Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award.

The Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award is the highest honor given by the NCMA and is awarded each year to an individual or organization that has greatly advanced the motorsports industry and its reputation through career achievements, contributions, perseverance, and integrity. Andretti’s career accomplishments include the following:

  • Four-time INDYCAR National Champion (1965, 1966, 1969, 1984)
  • Formula One World Champion (1978)
  • Indianapolis 500 winner (1969)
  • Daytona 500 winner (1967)
  • USAC National Dirt Track Champion (1974)
  • International Race of Champions (IROC) Champion (1979)
  • Associated Press “Driver of the Century” (1999)
  • The only driver to win the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, and Formula One World Championship

The following award winners, each representing the pinnacle of excellence in their respective categories, will join Andretti in being honored by the NCMA:

  • NCMA Philanthropy Award – The Petty Family
  • North Carolina Motorsports Industry Award – Venturini Motorsports
  • Jim Hunter Memorial Media Award – Dave Moody

“This will be a special night for the motorsports industry,” said NCMA Executive Director Chad Willis. “From Mario Andretti’s historic and global achievements, to the Petty family’s championship legacy and charitable leadership, to the Venturini family’s record-setting success, and Dave Moody’s influential voice in the sport, we are honored to recognize those who have defined excellence across generations of motorsports, both here in North Carolina and around the world.”

For the first time, two of the most legendary figures in motorsports history, Mario Andretti and Richard Petty, will share the stage in a live, moderated conversation, providing a rare and historic moment for the sport. Kyle Petty will host this iconic fireside chat.

The 2026 North Carolina Motorsports Industry Awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 3, at the Richardson Ballroom in the Charlotte Convention Center. To sign up to receive event information, click here.

Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award – Mario Andretti

The Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award is presented annually to an individual or organization that has significantly elevated the industry and reputation of motorsports through career accomplishments, contributions, perseverance, and integrity. Previous winners include Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Roger Penske, Hendrick Motorsports, Bruton Smith, Mike Helton, Jeff Gordon, and others.

Mario Andretti is the oft-answered name to the question, “Who is the greatest motorsports driver of all time?” He remains the only driver to win a Formula One World Championship, the Indianapolis 500, and the Daytona 500. From 1961 until his retirement in 2000, Andretti made 879 starts, with 111 wins and 109 pole positions. He was named by The Associated Press as the “Driver of the Century” in a 1999 vote and was recognized as the Driver of the Year in three different decades (1967, 1978, 1984).

NCMA Philanthropy Award – Petty Family

The NCMA Philanthropy Award is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated a history of significant charitable, philanthropic, or humanitarian contributions and has inspired others through empathy, passion, and integrity. 

The Petty name is synonymous with motorsports greatness, and the family has consistently combined their on-track successes with a commitment to philanthropy. Their influence extends beyond the racetrack through the Petty Family Foundation, the Victory Junction Gang Camp, and the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, meaningfully impacting lives throughout North Carolina and across the country.


North Carolina Motorsports Industry Award – Venturini Motorsports

The North Carolina Motorsports Industry Award is an annual honor bestowed on individuals or organizations that make significant contributions to the North Carolina motorsports ecosystem. It is a celebration of the many industries that combined to shape the past, present, and future of motorsports in the state.

Venturini Motorsports, one of the most successful teams in ARCA Menards Series history, has secured six national championships and over 100 race wins during a 53-year legacy. Founded by Bill Venturini Sr. and co-owned by Cathy and Billy Venturini, the organization competed in ARCA for 42 seasons, earning a reputation for performance, longevity, and driver development.


Jim Hunter Memorial Media Award – Dave Moody

The Jim Hunter Memorial Media Award is named in honor of NASCAR Hall of Fame Landmark Award recipient and long-time motorsports executive Jim Hunter. The annual award is presented to a member of the motorsports media ecosystem who has made significant contributions to the sport through passion, excellence, and integrity.

One of the most recognizable voices in the sport over the past four decades, Moody has been a mainstay as the lead turn announcer for the Motor Racing Network and as host of the nationally syndicated SiriusXM Speedway on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, where his insight and accessibility have made him a trusted voice, earning him the nickname “The Godfather.”

All award honorees will be in attendance. For a complete list of previous NCMA honorees, click here.

Set in North Carolina, the heart of the American motorsports industry, the NCMA’s North Carolina Motorsports Industry Awards serve as a signature gathering of leaders across racing, manufacturing, media, and business. The event reflects the NCMA’s mission to unify and promote the industry in North Carolina, where motorsports means business.

For more information about the 2026 North Carolina Motorsports Industry Awards, visit motorsportsnc.org.

About the North Carolina Motorsports Association

The North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) is a 501(c)(6) trade association dedicated to promoting and advancing the motorsports industry across North Carolina. Representing a broad network of race teams, tracks, manufacturers, suppliers, and professional services, the NCMA serves as the unified voice of the industry, driving advocacy, fostering connections, and elevating motorsports’ economic impact at the state and national levels.

Contact:

Chad Willis

Executive Director, North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA)

Email:  chad.willis@motorsportsnc.org