The N.C. Travel Industry Association (NC TIA) held a "Tourism Day Extravaganza" at the Legislative Building in Raleigh on May 12 to emphasize to lawmakers the importance of the tourism industry to the state, its tax base and its economy. Events included The NASCAR House vs. Senate Pit Crew Challenge at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, coordinated by Visit Charlotte, in which members of the N.C. House and Senate competed to see who could prep a NASCAR automobile in the shortest time. The Senate won three out of five tries. Members of the Senate team were Sen. Andrew C. Brock, Sen. Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. and Sen. Don Davis. Members of the House team were Rep. Grier Martin, Rep. Grey Mills, Rep. Darren Jackson and Rep. Justin P. Burr. The Red Bull Racing Team assisted the senators and representatives. (less info)