NASCAR makes changes to competition executive team

Firstly, Camping World Truck Series director Elton Sawyer has been promoted to the role of Vice President of Officiating and Technical Inspection. He served as the CWTS director for the past two years.

According to a release from NASCAR, he "will oversee multiple functions to ensure NASCAR events are the best in motorsports, including inspection/officiating; officials training and development; and the events and transportation groups."

Sawyer was also a racer himself with 29 Sprint Cup starts and 392 in what is now known as the Xfinity Series, winning twice in both 1994 (Myrtle Beach Speedway) and 1999 (New Hampshire Motor Speedway)

Touring Series director Brad Moran has been elevated to take his place at the helm of the Truck Series. The role of Touring Series director will now be filled by Brandon Thompson.

Meanwhile, John Probst has joined NASCAR as Managing Director of Competition and Innovation. Probst previously worked as the technical director for both Chip Ganssi Racing and the now defunct Red Bull Racing. Before that, he spent 11 years with Ford Motor Company as Engineering Supervisor.

Other promotions within their competition team include the addition of Jusan Hamilton as Manager of Racing Operations & Event Management and George Grippo as Managing Director of Competition Technology and Timing & Scoring

“With today’s announcement, NASCAR has aligned the Competition department to meet the ever changing and challenging needs of a highly competitive sports landscape,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “We’re delighted to see the growth of a number of our colleagues throughout the company, as well as welcoming a new one with a long history in the industry.” 

Sawyer, who will continue reporting to Senior Vice President of Competition Scott Miller, transitions to his new role after serving the last two seasons as Managing Director of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Sawyer joined NASCAR in 2015 after serving as Director of Team Operations for Action Express Racing in the IMSA Series. Prior to that role, he held competition positions at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. Sawyer also spent a portion of his racing career competing in the NASCAR national series as a driver.

Each executive will undergo a transition into their new assignments over the balance of the 2016 season.