TRACKS: Chicago Motor Speedway names GM and VP
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
March 16, 2001
CHICAGO, Ill. -- H. Pete Merkel has been named executive Vice President and General Manager at Chicago Motor Speedway, in an announcement today by Chicago Motor Speedway CEO, Gene Haskett.
"We're delighted to have someone with Pete's experience and enthusiasm," Haskett said. "He is a high-energy individual who knows how to make things happen within the motorsports industry. I have been fortunate to have experienced Pete's ascent to this opportunity."
Merkel, 30, most recently worked at Michigan International Speedway and served as the Director of Corporate Sales and Marketing. He also was instrumental in leading the company's initiatives relative to Internet Communications and served on local Chambers, American Heart Association and Boy Scout boards in an effort to develop financial resources within the community.
Merkel began his motorsports career at MIS in 1992, where he worked in the operations department before being promoted to the sales and marketing department. In his new role, Merkel will help oversee all facets of motorsports operations at CMS.
"I have spent much of my life around the business of motorsports, and have enjoyed it immensely," Merkel said. "When presented with the opportunity to come to Chicago and continue to develop this unique facility, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities here at CMS."
Merkel is a Brooklyn, Mich. native and a 1992 graduate of Hillsdale College, where he earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Marketing. Merkel and his wife, Cindy, will be relocating to the Chicago area. Cindy is employed by Kellogg's, working with the Keebler business unit in Chicago.
Text provided by Tom Ryan
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