Texas Motor Speedway adds Zizzo to staff

Zizzo Named Public Relations Director at Texas Motor Speedway

FORT WORTH-DALLAS (Feb. 9, 2005) -- Mike Zizzo, one of motor racing's top media relations professionals, has been named Director of Public Relations for Texas Motor Speedway.

Zizzo is leaving the position of Senior Manager of Communications for NASCAR for the Texas post.

"Mike Zizzo is considered by many to be the best public relations man in American auto racing today," said Eddie Gossage, president of Texas Motor Speedway. "He has not only managed NASCAR's public relations program, but prior to that he was Vice President of Competition Public Relations for CART. He is highly respected in stock car racing and Indy Car racing, which will serve us well since we host both NASCAR and Indy Racing League IndyCar Series events.

"Zizzo rounds out a deep, solid management team here at 'The Great American Speedway,''' said Gossage. "He will provide wise counsel and help make many of our most important decisions. Because of his varied experience, he will be involved in many issues outside of what is typically expected of a Public Relations Director. We're honored that he has joined our team."

Prior to Zizzo's NASCAR and CART experience, he worked for 12 years as a sportswriter for The Orlando Sentinel, covering a variety of major beats, including motorsports, the NFL and NHL. Zizzo, a graduate of Florida Southern College, shifted to public relations in 1996 and received the Jim Chapman Award as the most outstanding public relations representative in the CART racing series. He became the first public relations representative from the sanctioning body to ever receive the prestigious award.

"I am looking forward to joining one of the most successful and innovative speedways in the country as well as a strong management team that Eddie already has in place," Zizzo said. "Joining Texas Motor Speedway provides me with a great opportunity to continue my relationship with NASCAR as well as reunite with some old friends on the open-wheel side."

As Director of Public Relations for Texas Motor Speedway, Zizzo will work with local, regional and national media covering racing events at Texas Motor Speedway. He will begin his duties in early March.

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