(editor's note: Every year or two, Delaware issues a release of this nature. Seems like a million years ago that the track was the base of CASCAR and 'the rock' of Canadian motorsports. Best of luck to the new team! - GM)
From John Houghton // Delaware Speedway PR
October 30, 2008
Delaware Speedway Announces New Management Team
Dedicated, Experienced Team Looks for Success in 2009
Delaware Speedway is pleased to announce Paul Houghton as the new Operations Manager for the 2009 racing season. Paul will immediately take over the day-to-day business operations of the speedway.
Paul Houghton is not a new face to Delaware Speedway. For the past four years he has served as the Krown Junior Racing League program director. Under his leadership, which he plans to continue, the league has seen an explosion of growth and recently saw its largest season ever with 32 drivers competing as well as increases in spectator attendance.
On Friday evenings Paul has been a familiar face and could often be seen greeting fans at the gate and along the main concourse. He has also worked closely with the management team in the past in an operational capacity. Paul is a project manager by trade and recently retired from the financial services industry where he worked for 32 years. He hopes to put his skills to use in his new role where he will be working to expand sponsor involvement and also on continuous improvement of the day-to-day operations.
“I thank the owners for giving me the opportunity to expand my role at the track. I also want to recognize Jerry for the hard work and dedication he’s given the track over the past two years.” said Houghton. “I very much look forward to the opportunity to work with John and Jeff to create a very exciting 2009 season at Delaware Speedway.”
Paul will follow in the footsteps of Jerry Wilcox, who served as operations manager since the 2007 season. Jerry was successful in cleaning up many operations and successfully completed his two-year mandate prior to retirement. Jerry will use his experience to advise Delaware Speedway in its strategic planning with the speedway owners, but will not be involved in the day to day operations of the speedway.
“Jerry will be missed by all of us at Delaware Speedway,” said Dave McDonald of the ownership group. “We wish to thank him for all he’s done for the speedway and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Paul is joined by experienced team members Jeff Wilcox and John Houghton. All operations of the speedway will be shared between these three key and experienced employees with increased responsibilities going to Jeff Wilcox and John Houghton.
Jeff Wilcox will be returning as Race Director and will be working more closely with the speedway owners on long-term planning objectives. Jeff joined the speedway team in November 2004 and has been working to increase the competitiveness of the racing at the track.
“I’m excited to be working with this team moving into the 2009 season,” said Wilcox. “I’m happy the ownership group continues to move forward with these programs and feel we’re going to have an excellent year.”
John Houghton will continue as the Public Relations Director. John has been employed at the speedway since 2001 in various roles and was transferred to the speedway broadcast tower in 2004. He was later placed as announcer in 2005 before taking his position as Public Relations Director two years ago.
“Paul and I have done a lot of work together over the years on many speedway projects,” said John. “We’re looking forward to applying what we’ve learned for the benefit of the racers, fans and business partners.”
The immediate responsibilities of the team will be to prepare and release the 2009 schedule and rule book by mid-late November. The team will also be working towards the track’s long-term planning and goals.
Also planned is the launch of a new 2009 Speedway Marketing Package. The new package is aimed at enhancing relations with current speedway partners and also opening the door to new perspective partners. Individuals or businesses interested in receiving a copy of the package are encouraged to contact John Houghton at the speedway office (519) 652-5068 Ext 201 with mailing information.
With a solid team in place and planning well underway, the 2009 racing season is gearing up to be one to look forward to!
For more information on any of Delaware Speedway’s programs contact the track offices (519) 652-5068 or e-mail info@delawarespeedway.com.
John Houghton
Announcer / PR
Delaware Speedway
519/652-5068 ext. 201
info@delawarespeedway.com
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