DARLINGTON (WBTW) – Darlington Raceway announced today that it has named Kerry Tharp as President of the track, effective July 18. Tharp accepts the role from his most recent position as Senior Director of Racing Communications for NASCAR.

Tharp replaces current Darlington Raceway President Chip Wile, who accepted the position of President of Daytona International Speedway back in April.

Tharp has strong South Carolina ties. He has been a resident for over 31 years. He also had a 20-year career as Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations for the University of South Carolina (1985-2005) in Columbia.