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CONCORD, N.C. – Gov. Bev Perdue signed an executive order Thursday to establish the Motorsports Advisory Council.

“So just as all those folks down in Daytona are revving up their engines today, North Carolina is revving up our engine to make sure, to absolutely make sure, that this great state is known around the globe as the home of NASCAR," Perdue said.

The council will report to Perdue on ways to strengthen the industry and recruit new motorsports jobs to North Carolina.

"It's an acknowledgment of how important motorsports is to our state and region.” said Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. “It's so nice to have the support of the governor."

Perdue will appoint business people and leaders in the industry from across the state to make up the council.

"Share thoughts and ideas and have a voice to try and do what we can to keep the industry where it is in the state," added Karen Ray, the Director of Business Affairs for the North Carolina Motorsports Association.

NASCAR contributes more than $6 billion to the state's economy annually and the industry supports more than 27,000 jobs in North Carolina. About 90 percent of NASCAR teams are based in the state.

The Motorsports Advisory Council was originally established in 2005, but has been inactive since 2007.