NASCAR's Kerry Tharp named president of Darlington Raceway

Tharp will assume the role on July 18, replacing Chip Wile, who accepted the position as president of Daytona International Speedway in April.

“These are exciting times for Darlington Raceway and Kerry Tharp is the perfect person to lead one of the most historic tracks on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit,” International Speedway Corp. executive vice president and COO Joie Chitwood said in a statement.

“His appreciation of our sport, knowledge of the industry and passion for South Carolina are unmatched. Kerry will do a great job leading the Darlington Raceway team and continuing to build upon their celebrated throwback marketing campaign.”

Tharp, a native of Louisville, Ky. native, joined NASCAR in April of 2005 after a successful 20-year career as Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations for the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C.

He worked for 26 total years in intercollegiate athletics prior to joining NASCAR. He also served two years at the University of Tennessee and four years at the University of Oklahoma, prior to the University of South Carolina.

Since 2005, Tharp has played an integral role in the communications efforts for NASCAR.

“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.”

Tharp holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Western Kentucky University and a master’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee. He has been a resident of South Carolina for over 31 years. He has been married to his wife, Debbie, for 33 years and they have two children (J.B. and Will) and two grandsons.

“All of us here at NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications take tremendous pride in the fact that ISC chose a member of our team to lead efforts for one of the sport’s most iconic facilities,” said David Higdon, vice president of NASCAR’s Integrated Marketing Communications.

“The selection also is a testament to Kerry’s acumen and the work that he has done cultivating strong relationships with so many of you in the media. He will be a great asset to Darlington and ISC, and will remain an essential advocate for NASCAR in his new role.”