David McGrath Named Executive VP And General Manager Of New Hampshire Motor Speedway

David McGrath (Courtesy: New Hampshire Motor Speedway)

David McGrath (Courtesy: New Hampshire Motor Speedway)

Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith announced Monday that David McGrath has been named the new executive vice president and general manager at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

McGrath replaced Jerry Gappens, who resigned from the position.

“During his time at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, David has shown tremendous leadership and great passion for his work,” Smith said in a release. “He has earned the respect of his peers across the company and has embraced opportunities to tackle new challenges. Under his direction, I am confident the future of New Hampshire Motor Speedway is in good hands.”

The 51-year old McGrath began working at NHMS in November 2011 as director of advertising and promotions. He was voted by his peers as employee of the year in 2012. He was promoted to vice president of mareting and promotions in January 2013 and then was named vice president of corporate sales in January 2014.

“I am thrilled to lead and inspire this wonderful team of dedicated employees, who are as equally passionate about the success of New Hampshire Motor Speedway as I am,” McGrath said. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work in this new capacity as we continue to move our business forward in 2016 and beyond.”

Gappens was named the executive vice president and general manager shortly after Speedway Motorsports Inc. purchased the facility from Bob Bahre in Nov. 2007. Gappens had previously worked at Charlotte Motor Speedway, another Speedway Motorsports Inc. property.

“Gappens has been a significant part of our company’s growth both at Charlotte Motor Speedway and in New Hampshire,” Smith said. “We are appreciative for his 23 years of service and wish him the very best for the future.”

Said Gappens: “I’ve spent the majority of my working life promoting events for Speedway Motorsports, and it’s been an experience I’ll always treasure. I truly appreciate the opportunities provided to me by the Smith family. Now that a successful 25th Anniversary season is complete at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the time is right for me to move on to the next chapter in my life. The Magic Mile will no doubt continue to prosper under David’s leadership.”

Before working for the Speedway McGrath spent time as the marketing manager for the pro racing division of the Sports Car Club of America. He also spent 12 years working in advertising sales for Comcast. He had been working as a local sales manager in Comcast’s Portsmouth, N.H. offices before arriving at the Speedway.

McGrath is a Marlborough, Mass. native who spent 19 years living in Colorado before returning to New England in 2008. He currently resides in Kennebunk, Me. He is a graduate of Metropolitan State University in Denver, Co., where he received a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and a minor in English.

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