(RALEIGH) -- The motorsports industry in North Carolina and the U.S. Army Special Ops announced Saturday a partnership to grow North Carolina's defense and homeland security economy and increase soldier safety and capability. Gov. Bev Perdue said the partnership is a match made in heaven.

"Through the efforts of North Carolina's Military Foundation, our motorsports industry and our American Special Ops can actually work together.  This has never been done before and no one had ever thought about the benefits to both motorsports and to the military," said Perdue.

Goals of the partnership aim to improve vehicle performance and economic opportunities for both military and motorsports. Perdue said the partnership will improve safety and performance of military vehicles and creates jobs and investment opportunities in North Carolina.