N.C. gives green light to making stock-car racing the official state sport

North Carolina might join the ranks of states that have officially adopted a state sport. The state Senate on Thursday endorsed stock-car racing by a margin of 46-3.

The legislation now goes to the state House. If approved, North Carolina will take its seat among those American regions to have legally declared athletic notoriety, including:

— Alaska: Dog mushing since 1972

— Delaware: Volleyball since 2009

— Hawaii: Outrigger canoeing since 1986, surfing since 1998

— Maryland: Jousting since 1962, lacrosse since 2003

— Massachusetts: Basketball since 2006

— Minnesota: Ice hockey since 2008

— New Hampshire: Skiing since 1998

— South Dakota: Rodeo since 2003

— Texas: Rodeo since 1997

— Wyoming: Rodeo since 2003