This presentation features Quinn Beekwilder, assistant professor and coordinator of Belmont Abbey College’s Motorsport Management program, who shares his path from a political science degree and real estate to graduating from the program, working a decade at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and returning to teach.
He recaps the program’s origins with Belmont resident and Charlotte Motor Speedway leader Humpy Wheeler, created to reduce industry turnover by preparing students for motorsport’s demanding realities. Once NASCAR-centric, the curriculum now spans global disciplines, emphasizes motorsport history, and requires multiple internships and experiential trips (Rolex 24, IndyCar St. Petersburg, World of Outlaws, PRI). Belmont Abbey has grown to 60+ undergraduates, launched the nation’s first fully online M.A. in Motorsport Management with 20+ first-semester students, started the Accelerate Abbey high school summer camp, and received Colonel Donald Capps’ motorsport collection for its library.
- 00:00 Meet Quinn Beekwilder
- 01:25 Quinn’s Career Path
- 02:16 Why Motorsport Education?
- 03:32 Program Origins with Humpy Wheeler
- 05:26 Degree Growth and Expansion
- 06:27 Broadening Beyond NASCAR
- 07:58 Teaching History and Context
- 09:40 First Masters of Arts in Motorsport Management
- 11:47 “Accelerate Abbey” Summer Camp
- 13:13 Don Capps Collection Donation
- 14:31 Alumni Network in Action
- 16:42 Experiential Trips and Internships
- 19:10 Building the Full Ecosystem
- 20:02 What’s Next and Thanks
This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family – and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.
The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix – motoringpodcast.net
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