NHRA: Neilson named NHRA Pacific Division Director
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
April 18, 2001GLENDORA, Calif. - Charlie Neilson has been named Pacific Division Director (Division 7) for the National Hot Rod Association, it was announced today by Len Imbrogno, NHRA director of sportsman racing and member tracks.
In his new position, Neilson, 41, will manage the competition at the 21 NHRA-member facilities in the Pacific Division, which includes tracks located in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Mexico, Nevada and Utah. Among his responsibilities include coordination of NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series events and NHRA Summit Racing Series events. In addition, he will provide consultation with track operators at all NHRA-member facilities in the division as well as supervise development of new racetrack activity.
"Charlie's knowledge in promoting and organizing events will ensure continued success in the Pacific Division," said Imbrogno. "He's a quality guy and brings great perspective on a number of issues and is well-qualified. His experiences in a variety of different areas in drag racing, including marketing and racecar maintenance and design, will bring a fresh, new perspective into the position."
Prior to accepting the new position, Neilson worked as an NHRA marketing services manager for four years. Before joining the NHRA, Neilson worked for 13 years as a crew member and general mechanic for Kenny Bernstein's Budweiser King Top Fuel team. Preceding his tenure with Budweiser King Racing, he was an auditor for Breckenridge Ski Resort for three years.
"I hope to make the NHRA experience more enjoyable for everyone in Division 7 -- competitors, sponsors, track operators and fans," said Neilson. "I am looking forward to the challenge of maintaining the high standards of excellence that the Pacific Division has become known for. Using my marketing background, I am planning to develop unique and creative programs and bring a new dimension to the position."
Neilson, a native of Ontario, Canada, earned a B.A. in economics, sports administration and physical education in 1982 from Albion (Mich.) College. He and his wife, Jean, live in Upland with their two children, Brandon and Brittney.
Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 24 national events through its NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has more than 80,000 members nationwide and more than 140 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, NHRA Summit Import 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
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