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CART names Hal Whiteford president of racing

18 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

DETROIT- Hal Whiteford, an executive with more than 25 years experience in the automotive industry, has been named to the newly created post of President of Racing at CART, Inc., sanctioning body for the FedEx Championship Series.

In his new position, Whiteford will be responsible for the management of all racing activities at CART. He will report to Championship Auto Racing Teams Chairman and CEO Andrew Craig. CART's existing senior racing staff will in the future report to Whiteford. Among his responsibilities will be a review and redefinition of the organization and structure of all racing activities, including those related to both the Dayton Indy Lights and Toyota Atlantic Series. Whiteford will also chair CART Franchise Owners meetings.

Whiteford joins CART on April 15. He comes from Mercedes-Benz USA, where he served most recently as Vice President of Operations. While at Mercedes, his responsibilities included the Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc. field organization, including its vehicle distribution channels, regional activities and Client Assistance Center.

"For the last five years, I have spent most of my weekends at race tracks around the world supporting Mercedes-Benz motorsports' efforts in the CART series," Whiteford said. "Motorsports is my passion - I have been involved in some type of motorsports since 1968.

"It is because of this passion that I have decided to take a new full-time challenge. I look forward to the challenges and responsibilities as CART's President of Racing."

Whiteford's appointment will allow President and CEO Andrew Craig to focus more of his attention on the corporate development of Championship Auto Racing Teams and on the business and commercial aspects of the company's business. Craig, however, will work closely with Whiteford to remain involved in all issues relating to racing policy.

"CART has gone through phenomenal change over the last few years," Craig said, "and it is important that we continue to meet the challenges of a far more complex racing series and far larger business. Hal will bring world-class organizational skills to CART and will help us put in place the structure necessary for the future of the racing side of our business.

"Additionally, like everyone at CART, Hal has a passion for the sport, and I know that he really wants to make a difference."

Whiteford will be introduced to the media during a press conference next weekend at CART's season-opening Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami Presented by Toyota at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Text provided by T.E. McHale

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