NASCAR makes changes to competition department

Elton Sawyer is the new Managing Director for the NASCAR Camping World Series.

NASCAR announced that the former Xfinity Series driver will replace Chad Little, who has moved to the Managing Director’s role for Technical Inspection/Officiating. Sawyer and Little started their new positions on Monday.

“NASCAR recently has made significant investments in both the technical inspection and officiating areas of our sport,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer in a release. “Those areas have become flagship examples of innovation, keeping NASCAR as a premier sport. Chad is an ideal candidate to provide oversight and lead us to further evolve in those critical areas.

“Similarly, we’re fortunate to have a professional in Elton, who has substantial experience across the racing industry, to direct the popular NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.”

Little will oversee the inspection and officiating programs that NASCAR instituted in the off-season – including the new pit road technology system which debuts at Daytona International Speedway this month.

Little has worked in NASCAR’s competition department for the last 10 years. His new position also removed the potential for conflict of interest should his son Jesse, who competes in NASCAR K&N Pro Series, make the next move up into the truck series.

Sawyer served in managerial roles at both Evernham Motorsports and Red Bull Racing but most recently was Director of Team Operations for Action Express Racing in the TUDOR United SportsCar Series.

“We’re pleased with the development of our competition team,” O’Donnell added. “Chad and Elton will join the collaborative model already in place at the R&D Center. They will work very closely with Gene Stefanyshyn and Robin Pemberton and the rest of our series directors to help NASCAR capitalize upon its strong momentum heading into the 2015 season.”