DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – On Wednesday morning Darlington Raceway announced that Kerry Tharp, Senior Director of Racing Communications for NASCAR, has been named President of the track “Too Tough To Tame”, effective July 18.
Tharp will take the place of Chip Wile, who accepted the position of President of Daytona International Speedway this past spring.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to have this opportunity,” Tharp said. “I love the state of South Carolina and its people. I know how special Darlington Raceway is to this state and to the sport of NASCAR. The track’s rich tradition, history, and popularity resonate with the competitors, partners, media and most importantly the fans. I look forward to working with our team to help keep Darlington as one of our sport’s crown jewels.”
Executives say Tharp’s appreciation for the sport, industry expertise, and passion for South Carolina make him the perfect candidate to lead one of the most historic tracks on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Circuit.
Tharp has been a part of the NASCAR team since 2005, following a 20-year career as Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations for the University of South Carolina. He has been a resident of South Carolina for over 31 years.
