Raceway President is also a fan
Darlington Raceway President Kerry Tharp. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
By Stephan Drew
editor@newsandpress.net
Kerry Tharp is not just the President of Darlington Raceway, he is also a big fan. After working with college sports for 27 years, Tharp came to NASCAR in 2005, at the age of 48, and fell in love with racing. “Jim Hunter was my boss and mentor,” Tharp says of his early days with the track. He’s been loving it ever since.
Since he’s been at the racetrack, Tharp says he’s gotten to know a lot about the fans. “NASCAR fans are the best in sports. Period, “Tharp stated.
Tharp also explained a little of the history of Darlington Raceway, “Darlington is the second-oldest track. It opened in 1950. Some of my favorite drivers were Tony Stewart, Jimmy Johnson and Dale Earnhardt.”
Tharp explained that “rookies” aren’t necessarily young drivers. “Being a rookie just means you haven’t run a complete season yet,” he said.
NASCAR owns 16 tracks across the United States, including the Daytona International Speedway, the Talladega Superspeedway and the Martinsville Speedway.
Tharp hopes everyone will come out and enjoy the races as much as he does.
