RaceDayCT has learned that Thompson International Speedway has named Josh Vanada as its new director of competition at the track.
The new position at the track replaces the old position of “chief steward.” Vanada will be in the position of director of competition beginning with Thursday’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series weekly racing card on Thursday.
Mike Kun resigned as the track’s chief steward following last Thursday’s racing card at the track.
Thompson Speedway marketing director Jonathan Hoenig said Vanada will take on the roles that had been served by Kun, in addition to other new roles. He said Vanada will work hand-in-hand with the track’s race director, Mike Chapman.
“We had a few meetings with Josh and came up with a strategy and we’re elevating Josh’s position at the track to the new director of competition at Thompson,” Hoenig said. “We think it’s a really good move. He has big plans for reorganizing in the pit area.
“We’re very excited about. Josh really has his head on straight. We think he’s a good fit and a fresh face to be in that pit area to help change some of the procedures we do and bring up the moral with the competitors.”
The 26-year old Vanada has been an official at Thompson for the last five years.
“I was honored to be considered,” Vanada said. “Obviously it’s one of the oldest NASCAR weekly tracks competing so it’s pretty cool for me to be asked to do this. We have some things that we need to work on there and I’m excited to be part of the change.
“I think we have a good team there that understand well what’s going on. Obviously we know there’s some room for improvement and that will be our focus.”
Vanada had served numerous roles at the track as an official with his focus most recently as the assistant starter under Tim Bennett. Rich Keator, a flagger at the Waterford Speedbowl and with the Valenti Modified Racing Series, will replace Vanada as assistant starter at Thompson.
Recent Comments