Northwood University in Midland, a leader in automotive education, has announced new academic programming designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the fast-evolving global motorsports industry.
Developed in close collaboration with leading motorsports professionals and industry organizations, the new motorsports programming blends Northwood’s business education programs with career-focused motorsports management outcomes. In addition, students will gain real-world experience at major motorsports events.
“Motorsports … is one of the fastest-growing global industries, which is expected to double its economic impact by 2035,” says Kent MacDonald, president of Northwood University. “Competing in this dynamic field requires sharp commercial insight, bold strategic vision, and relentless innovation.
“This new programming exemplifies Northwood’s mission to serve as America’s Automotive University (by) preparing students to lead, innovate, and shape the industries of tomorrow.”
Starting this fall term, current students will be able to enroll in a three-part motorsports-focused workshop series that is part of a new Motorsports Essentials digital badge that students can earn through an existing degree program, including Northwood’s undergraduate Automotive Marketing and Management and Automotive Aftermarket Management programs.
To earn the badge, students will complete a combination of Northwood courses and experiential learning opportunities at motorsports industry events, in addition to the motorsports workshop series.
In Fall 2026, Northwood will offer a new Fundamentals of Motorsports course for current and new students. Enrollment for this course will open in Spring 2026.
“Spanning Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, World Rally, MotoGP, World Superbike, AMA Motocross, and Supercross, as well as a host of other racing organizations, the motorsports industry is an international business that blends innovation, sponsorship, media, and technology, and Northwood is uniquely positioned to prepare students for business roles within this exciting sector,” says David Oventhal, Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy at Northwood University.
“Recent global motorsport fan surveys reveal a significant shift toward a younger and more diverse audience, with increased female engagement, and these fans expect fresh, innovative activations from teams and sponsors,” Oventhal adds.
MacDonald has appointed motorsports industry pioneer and alumnus Steve Madincea to lead Northwood’s entry into the motorsports educational sector. Madincea has been at the forefront of international motorsport activities by creating commercial activities in Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA.
He will utilize his global motorsport network to ensure students have the latest industry case studies, engage with top industry professionals, and obtain practical work experience at motorsport events worldwide.
The motorsports workshop series and motorsports fundamentals course will be taught by a mix of Northwood faculty and guest lecturers from the motorsports and sports management industries, including executives, media personalities, engineers, and team principals.
Its experiential learning model allows graduates to leave with comprehensive academic knowledge and real-world experience from motorsports enterprises and events.
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