Talladega names Humphrey VP/GM

January 30, 2002
10:35 AM EST (1535 GMT)

Talladega Superspeedway has promoted Rick Humphrey to Vice President and General Manager for the 2.66-mile, high-banked facility. The announcement was made by Grant Lynch, Speedway President.

In his new role at the 33-year old track, Humphrey will be responsible for all operations, public relations, marketing, sales and governmental relations with his additional duties at the track. After serving as the track's director of public relations since 1997, Humphrey was named Director of Operations in January of 2001. "Rick has been working the past year in operations and taking on many of the day-to-day duties at Talladega Superspeedway," Lynch said. "His new title and promotion more accurately reflect the additional responsibilities he has assumed and those he will be responsible for from this point forward."

Humphrey, 33, is a native of Jacksonville, N.C. and a 1990 graduate from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C.

"Having been a part of this sport for quite some time it is truly an honor to serve in such a capacity at a track known world-wide," Humphrey said. "We've seen tremendous growth in the past few years and I look forward to being a part of what the future holds."

Prior to arriving at Talladega, Humphrey worked for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's Sports Marketing Enterprises. During his two-year stint at Reynolds, he handled media relations in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, NHRA Winston Drag Racing and company-sponsored race teams.

Prior to joining SME, Humphrey was a team public relations representative in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and spent several years as a sportswriter.

Lynch also announced that Mike McWilliams has been promoted to Senior Director of Facility Operations and that Troi Hayes has been promoted to Senior Director of Marketing.

McWilliams joined the track's staff in 1994 as track superintendent. His responsibilities include maintenance, construction, safety operations and security issues and serves as the direct supervisor to the facility operations staff.

Hayes joined Talladega in 1997 as the Drector of Marketing. His responsibilities include sales, marketing, hospitality village and luxury suites and serves as the direct supervisor to the marketing staff.

"Rick, Mike and Troi have been instrumental in the tremendous progress that has occurred at our facility," Lynch said. "Along with the entire Talladega Superspeedway staff, they continue to tackle the additional responsibilities of maintaining Talladega Superspeedway as one of Alabama's top tourist and sport attractions.

"It is always great when someone within the company works hard and makes positive contributions and then is rewarded for their efforts."