Racing into history!
Erik Moses, a seasoned sports executive and venue management leader, has been named the president of Nashville Superspeedway, Dover Motorsports, Inc., officials announced Saturday. Moses, a University of North Carolina and Duke University Law graduate, served as the founding president of the XFL’s DC Defenders. He is the first Black man at any NASCAR track to be given this title.
He will spearhead the renovation of the 1.33-mile concrete track built in 2001 by Dover Motorsports, which hosted NASCAR and IndyCar events until 2011, it’s scheduled to reopen June 2021. Moses said he is making sure the track is ready to serve the racing community when they “bring the circus to town.”
“Our job is to make certain that the big top is ready. Make certain that everybody in and around middle Tennessee and the rest of that area understands we’re going to have a Cup Series race, and they can look forward to the type of experience that NASCAR fans expect and deserve,” he said.
Moses, who’s new to NASCAR, but has a long history working in the Washington sports scene, was welcomed to the industry by NASCAR president Steve Phelps amidst a turbulent time in the history of the sport. Recently, racial tensions flared when officials put a ban on Confederate flags at NASCAR facilities and events, which led to Bubba Wallace being threatened with a noose in his garage stall.
“Any time that you have the distinction of being the first at anything professionally, it is a humbling kind of honor,” Moses told The Associated Press. “That said, I’m not naive enough to believe that I’m the first person of color qualified enough to run a NASCAR track. I am thankful (to Dover) for their confidence in my experience and ability to lead that effort. I’m also thankful to the folks at NASCAR for their confidence in me, as well. I’m going to focus on the job. I got hired to do a job, not because of what color I am.”
Excited to join the Dover Motorsports and @NASCAR families. @nashvilleSuperS Erik Moses to head Nashville Superspeedway, becoming first Black track president in NASCAR history https://t.co/qieX1a43MG
advertisement— Erik Moses (@NashvilleSSPrez) August 22, 2020
Dover, which has been home to NASCAR since 1969, will be modernized with an $8 million to $10 million investment from the company for track improvements. Dover Motorsports CEO, Mike Tatoian said they’re looking forward to Moses’ leadership as they get ready to relaunch the track.
“We are very excited and fortunate to hire an outstanding leader and executive such as Erik, who has tremendous experience in all areas of sports, events, and live entertainment,” Tatoian said. “Erik’s addition to our company and the outstanding reputation he has in the industry punctuates our commitment to revitalizing Nashville Superspeedway and serving the Middle Tennessee community.”
For Moses, he’s all about creating new opportunities in the Nashville community and an experience the fans will love.
“I am excited to join the team at Dover Motorsports to lead the reopening of the Nashville Superspeedway and bring the excitement of Cup Series racing to Middle Tennessee,” Moses said in the press release. “Nashville is one of the hottest markets for sports, entertainment and live events in the entire country and I look forward to working with local stakeholders and partners to leverage that momentum to establish the Superspeedway as a premier live events venue serving the greater Nashville region.”
Moses will begin working at the Nashville Superspeedway by the end of September.
Photo Credit: Fisch Sigler LLP