From Eldora Speedway
ROSSBURG, OH (Oct. 14) — Eldora Speedway track owner Tony Stewart announced today that Roger Slack has been named Promoter and General Manager at the famed one-half mile clay speed plant.
The transitional change reflect a restructuring of assets within the company, to allow Eldora Speedway staff members to become more efficient and specialized. The move indicates Stewart’s commitment of focusing upon the fan and driver experience at Eldora, with the goal of elevating the holistic entertainment value of the venue.
Stewart stated, “I am very excited to welcome Roger to the team at Eldora and look forward to watching him grow within his new role. I have been impressed with what he has been able to achieve in his previous positions and really feel that he will be a huge asset and help us achieve our forward goals.”
Slack steps into the position with great credentials. After growing up around racing at the renowned Cayuga Speedway Canada, owned by his grandparents, Slack aggressively moved forward in the racing fraternity. His steadfast allegiance and desire moved him into a myriad of high-profile roles along that journey.
Most recently the Executive Vice-President of Events for the World Racing Group, Slack spent 11 seasons at Charlotte Motor Speedway, beginning as an intern and eventually rising to Vice-President of Events. In that capacity he was responsible for the coordination and execution of NASCAR events on the 1.5-mile superspeedway, along with all events on the 4/10-mile state of the art clay oval. Following the wildly successful debut of the World of Outlaws World Finals in 2007, Slack was awarded the National Sprint Car Promoter of the Year, World of Outlaws Late Models Series Promoter of the Year and Humpy Wheeler Executive of the Year awards.
It is that wealth of knowledge and experience that has garnered Roger Slack’s respect in the industry from his peers and he is anxious to bring all of that education and passion to Eldora Speedway.
“It is an honor that Tony has asked me to join the Eldora family,” Slack said. “I am excited to begin building on his vision for the future, while maintaining the heritage and tradition of the world’s most famous short-track. The Eldora staff is second to none and I can not wait to start implementing all of our collective ideas and making the experience even more entertaining and fan friendly.”
Larry Kemp, who came on board with Stewart’s acquisition of Eldora Speedway from the legendary Earl Baltes in the fall of 2004, will remain on staff in a senior management role and work alongside Slack throughout the transition, with a focus on facility improvements, new business development and special projects. Kemp explained, “Tony has afforded me an amazing opportunity over the past seven years and I look forward to tackling new future challenges at Eldora. Roger is a peer in the industry, who I have had great respect for over the years, and am eager to begin working with this fall.” Slack will begin his new role in November.
Stewart further emphasized that it is “full steam ahead” for 2012 and beyond at the celebrated southwestern Ohio facility. “We’ve already confirmed and announced our major 2012 event dates, and the staff is working hard to assure a December 3, 2011 ticket sale date for those races.”