NHRA: Robert Wagner named vice president of sales and business development

23 June 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Long-time Anaheim Sports executive, Wagner joins NHRA with extensive background in sales, marketing and broadcasting

GLENDORA, Calif. Robert Wagner, a seasoned veteran in the areas of sales and broadcasting, has been named vice president of sales and business development for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Wagner will begin his duties July 1.

"I am pleased to announce the addition of Bob to the NHRA team and am confident that his extensive sales and marketing background will reinforce our strategic plan's primary initiative -- to grow our sport," said Tom Compton, president of NHRA. "His experience and relationships in sports marketing and sales will be valuable in positioning our sport beyond the traditional sponsorship base and grow NHRA Drag Racing to a position among the elite sports in the country."

In his new position, Wagner will oversee all NHRA sales and corporate sponsorship programs and be charged with building a sales force to meet the ever-expanding needs of the sport. He will play an instrumental role in building the current sponsor base for NHRA and assist NHRA race teams in their quest for sponsorships.

Wagner spent the last 16 years in a variety of positions with Major League Baseball's Anaheim Angels, Anaheim Mighty Ducks of the National Hockey League and eventually Anaheim Sports, where he most recently served as vice president of advertising sales and broadcasting. He played an instrumental role in developing advertising and broadcast revenue sources for the Angels, Mighty Ducks, Disney ICE, Tempo Diablo Stadium in Arizona, Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim and Edison International Field of Anaheim. Among his many accomplishments was identifying, establishing and eventually securing the naming rights for both professional facilities in Anaheim.

In addition, Wagner was responsible for all in-stadium/arena and regional sponsor promotions, as well as establishing operational plans and strategies while building, maintaining and overseeing an entire sales force.

"I am excited about the challenges and opportunities at NHRA," said Wagner. "There are a tremendous amount of similarities between my former employers and NHRA in terms of the need for the sales and sponsorships and building a sales force from the ground floor up. And on top of all that, not losing sight of the existing sponsorship base and making sure we are adhering to and continue to exceed expectations on all current sponsor programs."

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 85,000 racers and members nationwide and 144 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the Castrol GTX Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.

Text provided by Anthony Vestal

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.