IRGSE Announces Multiple Partnerships in IHRA Reorganization

IRGSE Momentum includes new Manufacturer’s Council; Advertising Planning for IHRA Member Tracks and new NYC based Corporate Marcom Executives

JUPITER, Florida (February 16, 2016) – IRG Sports + Entertainment ™ (IRGSE) and The International Hot Rod Association™ (IHRA) announced several long-term agreements with multiple individuals and their respective companies to assist with the reorganization and future growth of the IHRA and IRGSE properties. These announcements come on the heels of the appointment of Mike Dunn as the new IHRA President.

IRGSE, a TPG portfolio company, recruited highly notable and accomplished motorsports and automotive manufacturer professionals Rod Campbell and John Coletti via their Automotive Performance Partners to lead the newly developed IHRA Manufacturer’s Council. The creation of a Manufacturer’s Council marks the first time in IHRA history that a specific working group has been developed by professionals from the major automotive manufacturers with experience across many OEM’s and global engine platforms. The group just conducted their first of several major off-site meetings at new IRGSE partner; the Jupiter, Florida based PGA Resort and Spa the week of the 10th.

Rod Campbell and John Coletti from Automotive Performance Partners, bring almost 100 years of automotive experience between them. They have been appointed to oversee the newly formed Manufacturer’s Council for the IHRA. The duo will take the lead on the development of the highly anticipated Dragster 1: D1 and oversee the project.

Mr. Campbell has spent 50 years in the automotive world as a marketer and creator of niche vehicles, motorsports and related business. His career included stints in automotive publishing, radio and television, and as leading public relations executive serving racing greats Jackie Stewart and Stirling Moss. Campbell was the founder of Detroit based Campbell & Co. and also founder of California’s RWB LLC in Torrance, California. Mr. Coletti’s extensive background includes 45 years of experience in the automotive industry working with such companies as EcoMotors International, and Ford Company where he is credited with leading the team that saved the Mustang from extinction in 1994 and led the team that brought the 2004 Ford GT supercar to market in a short 26 months.

The IHRA also appointed Suzy DaSilva with Los Angeles based Competitive Edge Media and Marketing to assist all IHRA membership tracks and future partners with media planning and strategic communications. This marks the first time that the IHRA has made this available to all 98 member tracks to utilize their strength in collective media buying and assist their regional advertising planning across every form of media including digital. CEMM plans and executes all traditional media, sponsorship’s, events and digital/social communications. Mrs. DaSilva brings 20 years of experience with her and offers CEMM’s services to IRGSE, IHRA and all IHRA Member Tracks.

Finally, the IHRA appointed Business Marketing Communications "Industry-Thought-Leader," Joe Favorito, to assist and consult all matters of strategic corporate communications. Mr. Favorito has been added to support the existing IRGSE and IHRA communications team led by IRGSE Director of Corporate Communications Shayna Keller and help with the restructuring of the department to be more proactive with non-traditional business media. Mr. Favorito has 30 years of experience and has managed the day-to-day activities in strategic communications for NBA’s New York Knickerbockers, Philadelphia 76ers, The WTA Tour, The United States Tennis Association and much more.

Chris Lencheski, IRGSE Vice Chairman of the Board of Managers and CEO stated, "These additional appointments and assignments are just a few of the early tactical transformation strategies being employed now to assist the 2016 "gateway" year through the beginning of the 2017-2020 master plan. The IRGSE ecosystem of Membership Tracks, IHRA Team Owners, Racers and IHRA Sponsors had addressed these items with myself and our IRGSE board when we requested their opinions on what a future sanctioning body should be offering its collective members as benefits of their participation and relationship." Lencheski added, "There will be additional announcements over the next several weeks and months on human talent, media advisory to assist our global TV and digital planning and of course additional development of the Dragster 1: D1 strategy."

The 2016 IHRA season kicked off two weeks ago to record breaking participation numbers at the Summit Pro-Am Tour at Immokalee Regional Raceway and the Summit Pro-Am Tour at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The IHRA Drag Racing National Series kicks off March 4 – 6 at Orlando Speed World Dragway with the AMSOIL Nitro Nationals. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit IHRA.com or IHRADRS.com