November 10, 2008
For Immediate Release

RCCC Graduate Wins
NHRA Drag Race Event

          SALISBURY, N.C. — Tisha Wilson, a 2008 graduate of the Motorsports Management Technology program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, won the Super Comp category at the recent NHRA Virginia Nationals drag racing event, held at the Virginia Motorsports Park near Richmond.

           The win also marked the first time the 20-year-old Wilson had reached the finals of a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event.

           A resident of Kannapolis and a graduate of South Rowan High School, Wilson has competed in dragsters since the age of 5.

           "This means more than anything to me," Wilson said of her win. "I was very happy my parents got to experience this with me, as they have been my greatest supporters."

           Wilson brought her "Wally" (championship trophy named after NHRA founder Wally Parks) to RCCC to show students currently in the Motorsports Management (MSM) program.

           "The support of the MSM program has meant the world to me. What I learned at the college and the people I met have helped me mature in this business," Wilson said.

           "Tisha took the initiative to graduate early from high school just so she could start college early, and that shows her determination," explained Richmond Gage, head of RCCC's Motorsports Management program. "She was a great student, and we share her joy of this win."

           Wilson is continuing her education at RCCC, working toward an associate degree in marketing.

           Established in 1997, RCCC's Motorsports Management Technology Program educates students in both the business and technical aspects of the motorsports industry. The program has produced more than 100 alumni working in every area of the industry.

           MSM associate degree and certificate programs are offered, with associate degree graduates having the option of transferring to N.C. A&T's bachelor's degree program in manufacturing systems-motorsports.

          For more information about MSM program at RCCC, contact Gage at 704-216-3918 or gager@rowancabarrus.edu.

           Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a comprehensive, community-based institution of higher learning, serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus Counties. RCCC offers approximately 40 programs of study in business, health and human services and engineering technologies at multiple campus locations. RCCC annually provides more than 2,000 course offerings, serving an enrollment of approximately 20,000 adult students. RCCC programs include an associate degree in arts and sciences, an associate degree in applied science, and diploma and certificate programs focusing on workforce training, continuing education and basic skills education.

           In addition, RCCC provides the education and job-training programs needed to meet many of the workforce demands of the North Carolina Research Campus, under construction in Kannapolis, N.C.

           For complete details, see the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu.