Veteran National Hot Rod Association communications staff member Scott R. Smith has been named the drag racing sanctioning body’s Director of Media Relations. The announcement was made Wednesday morning.
Smith, who has been with the NHRA since 2002, replaces another long-time staff member, Anthony Vestal, who has accepted a similar position with Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.
Smith will oversee all communications efforts of the NHRA, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and other affiliated entities that fall under NHRA jurisdiction.
“We think Scott’s experience and knowledge of the company and the NHRA will be a natural fit to continue our growth in the media landscape,” NHRA Vice President of Public Relations Terry Blount said in a statement. “He will be able to continue the ongoing efforts of the NHRA Communications Department and further promote the sport.”
Although NHRA is headquartered in Glendora, California, Smith will continue to be based out of the NHRA’s satellite office at Lucas Oil Raceway in suburban Indianapolis.
Smith began his career with NHRA as LOR communications manager in 2002 and has worked with a number of motorsports sanctioning bodies that have raced there, including NASCAR, USAC, ARCA, and racing promotors including Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and Super Chevy.
He was named NHRA senior media relations manager in 2008 and became the sanctioning body’s lead communications manager in 2012.
“I’m excited to take this position and further the media relations efforts of the NHRA on a national level,” Smith said. “I look to expand on my relationship with journalists and those who cover the NHRA to grow the coverage of the sport on current and evolving media platforms.”
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