At its annual National Event Track Operators meeting on Tuesday, September 30, the  President of the International Hot Rod Association Aaron Polburn recognized Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood as its “Promoter of the Year ” for 2008.

On presenting the award, Polburn said, “as a former track owner and promoter of indoor motorsports events, promotions and press relations are very close to me. I realize the constant effort it takes to publicize our business.  Earwood is certainly deserving of this award that recognizes his success at promoting our events”.


 
At its annual National Event Track Operators meeting on Tuesday, September 30, the  President of the International Hot Rod Association Aaron Polburn recognized Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood as its “Promoter of the Year ” for 2008.

On presenting the award, Polburn said, “as a former track owner and promoter of indoor motorsports events, promotions and press relations are very close to me. I realize the constant effort it takes to publicize our business.  Earwood is certainly deserving of this award that recognizes his success at promoting our events”.

Rockingham Dragway, which Earwood purchased in 1992 after stints as General Manager and VP-Public Relations at Atlanta Dragway and the Texas Motorplex, is the only track that currently plays host to two events in the IHRA Nitro Jam Pro Series including the Oct. 17-19 IHRA World Finals.

Earwood, who for eleven years served as Public Relations Director for the National Hot Rod Association during drag racing’s transition from hobby sport to its current status as one of the world’s most popular spectator motor sports,  is currently one of 18 members of the North Carolina Motorsports Advisory Council appointed by Governor Easley.  He  also serves as Chairman of North Carolina Motorsports Association Board of Directors.

He is a member of the Board of Directors of Racers for Christ International and God Speed Ministries, as well as a voting board member of the Motorsports Committee of the National Fire Protection Association which is responsible for drafting document 610 that serves as a fire safety guideline for all forms of motor racing.

This is the second time in eight years that Earwood has been cited by the IHRA for his work at Rockingham.  He also was “Promoter of the Year” in 2001.

“It’s always nice to be recognized for your efforts,” Earwood said.  “It was a little unexpected since I had been honored before, but it was certainly appreciated.  Sometimes, you think that what you’re trying to do goes totally unnoticed.  It’s nice to know, at least occasionally, that some people are paying attention. IHRA has been very good to us at Rockingham Dragway, and we are fortunate to have such great events as they provide to promote."

“That said, any award that I receive has to be shared with my family and my staff.  In this business, you’re only as good as the people around you and I’ve been fortunate enough throughout my career to be surrounded by talented, hard-working people with whom I share a passion for the sport of drag racing.”