MIDLAND, MI — Northwood University officials announced new academic programming designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the global motorsports industry, with courses beginning this fall.
The Midland-based university developed the programming in collaboration with leading motorsports professionals and industry organizations, combining business education with motorsports management training and real-world experience at motorsports events, organizers said
“Motorsports is not only an exciting spectacle to watch, it’s one of the fastest-growing global industries, expected to double its economic impact by 2035,” Northwood University President Kent MacDonald said in a statement. “Competing in this dynamic field requires sharp commercial insight, bold strategic vision and relentless innovation.”
Starting this fall, current students can enroll in a three-part motorsports-focused workshop series as part of a new Motorsports Essentials digital badge. Students can earn the badge through existing degree programs, including the Automotive Marketing and Management as well as the Automotive Aftermarket Management programs.
To earn the badge, students will complete Northwood courses, experiential learning opportunities at motorsports industry events and the workshop series.
In fall 2026, the university will offer a new Fundamentals of Motorsports course for current and new students. Enrollment for this course opens in spring 2026.
The university appointed motorsports industry pioneer and alumnus Steve Madincea to lead the program. Madincea has created commercial activities in Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA, and will use his global motorsport network to provide students with industry case studies, professional engagement and work experience at motorsport events worldwide.
“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,” David Oventhal, Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy at Northwood University, said in a statement.
Oventhal said global motorsport fan surveys reveal a shift toward a younger and more diverse audience with increased female engagement.
“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,” he said.
The courses will be taught by Northwood faculty and guest lecturers from the motorsports and sports management industries, including executives, media personalities, engineers and team principals.
“We are honored to have the support of so many different motorsports entities from around the globe helping us shape our programming,” Matthew Bennett, vice president of Enrollment, Strategic Partnerships, and the Center for Automotive and Mobility Studies at Northwood University, said in a statement. “Students will greatly benefit from this invaluable input as well as the practical experiences being offered.”
Academic Vice President and Provost Kristin Stehouwer in a statement said the programming reinforces Northwood’s educational leadership in automotive and mobility sectors.
“Northwood has always been a place where students learn by doing, and where values like free enterprise, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation guide every program,” Stehouwer said. “By offering programming to prepare students for business careers in the motorsports sector, we’re expanding opportunities for students while reinforcing Northwood’s role as an educational leader at the forefront of automotive and mobility.”
Information about enrolling in the fall 2025 Motorsports Essentials workshop series or the fall 2026 Fundamentals of Motorsports course is available at northwood.edu/cams/motorsports-workshop-series/.
Generative AI was used to organize and structure information for this story, based on data provided by Northwood University. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff.