Hachat joins the NHRA after spending the last three seasons with the ADRL and X-DRL, where he served as the director of media and communications. He previously worked at the Newark (Ohio) Advocate as a sports writer, covering high school, collegiate and professional sports, winning a number of awards from the Associated Press Society of Ohio. Hachat also served as the lead motorsports writer at the newspaper, covering various events, including multiple NHRA national events at National Trail Raceway.
In his new position, Hachat will provide media outreach for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, as well as support other NHRA communications programs and NHRA racing series. In addition, he will maintain and develop relationships with national media outlets, assist with research and statistical projects and contribute to all NHRA Communications Dept. publications.
“We are fortunate to welcome a new media relations manager to the team who has a solid knowledge of the sport of drag racing as well as a proven track record in media relations,” Vestal said. “Josh brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and desire to the position and we are confident that he will excel in his new role of promoting and publicizing the sport of NHRA Championship Drag Racing.”
Hachat received a bachelor’s degree with a double major in sports communication and journalism and a minor in electronic media production from Ohio’s Ashland University. A native of Mount Vernon, Ohio, he currently lives in Lancaster, Ohio and will be relocating to Indianapolis where he will be based at the NHRA’s offices at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.
“I am extremely excited to be joining the NHRA,” Hachat said. “The NHRA represents the pinnacle of drag racing and I am really looking forward to the challenges of my new role, working with some great people and gaining more experience in the media relations field."