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NASCAR/IRL: Harder named Vice President, Operations at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

31 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

INDIANAPOLIS-- Tony George, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has named Mel Harder to the newly created position of vice president, operations.

"Mel Harder has been an excellent employee at IMS, and he has demonstrated the ability to manage the growth of our facility," said George. "He has demonstrated leadership and responsiveness, and is committed to our corporate vision of international leadership in motorsports entertainment. As we continue to prepare for our third world-class event, the Formula One United States Grand Prix, this is an appropriate time to recognize Mel for what he has done and to increase his responsibilities."

In his new position, Harder will oversee facility operation and planning for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well as the facility at Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, company real estate holdings, office buildings, hotel and restaurant facilities and Brickyard Crossing Golf Course maintenance. Design and construction, track operation, maintenance and facility planning also are among the operations that he will oversee.

Harder has been director of facility operations since April 1997, overseeing the physical plant of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He joined the Speedway staff in 1990, following graduation from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in management. He was an Evans Scholar recipient at IU and is a 1986 graduate of Speedway High School. Harder and his wife, Amy, reside in Indianapolis.

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