GLENDORA, Calif. -- (Sept. 15, 2010) - Long-time motorsports veteran Richard Schaefer has been named NHRA Southeast Division Director (Div. 2), it was announced today. Schaefer comes to NHRA following three seasons at Gateway International Raceway (GIR), where he served as drag racing events manager.
"Rich has all the skills necessary to become a strong division director," said Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations, NHRA. "He has extensive experience in event management, sponsorship and event operations."
Schaefer, who will join NHRA in early-October, will be responsible for overseeing all NHRA activities in the Southeast, serving as a liaison between NHRA, NHRA member tracks in the southeast division and the racing community. Prior to his current role at GIR, Schaefer was owner and general manager of an event promotion company that produced major live events throughout North America. He has also worked as vice president of events for B.I.G., Inc., in St. Louis, a touring company with more than 500 live events annually, and prior to that, as director of series operations for SRO/Pace Entertainment.
"I'm excited about this new chapter in my professional motorsports career," said Schaefer, who, along with his family, will relocate to Gainesville, Fla., the current location of NHRA's Southeast Division office. "I am anxious to meet with the NHRA Member Tracks in the area, as well as the racing community, and work together to develop programs to benefit both."
NHRA's Southeast Division is responsible for conducting and overseeing drag racing activities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Currently, there are 14 NHRA Member Tracks in the region. Schaefer will be attending the upcoming Division Two NHRA Summit Racing Equipment E.T. Finals at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Cecil, Ga., Sept. 30 - Oct. 2.
