NASCAR Changes: NASCAR announced a restructuring and expansion of its Competition Department, with special emphasis on NASCAR.s new Research and Development Center in Hickory, N.C. These changes are aimed at facilitating further advancement in the areas of research, development and race-site management involved in America.s fastest-growing sport. As part of this restructuring, several longtime NASCAR officials are moving into new positions, assuming new and/or additional responsibilities. Gary Nelson, formerly NASCAR Winston Cup Series Director, has been named Managing Director of Competition.. Nelson will be responsible for on-track race activities, rules and off-track research and development programs.. He primarily will be based at the Research and Development Center. Kevin Triplett, formerly NASCAR Director of Operations, has been named Managing Director of Business Operations.. Triplett will be responsible for schedules, sanctions, credentials, timing and scoring procedures, plan development, point fund management and all other business aspects of NASCAR.s three national divisions (Cup, BGN, CTS). John Darby, formerly the BGN Series Director, will replace Nelson as Winston Cup Series Director, overseeing all competitive aspects-including technical inspections, rules changes and rules enforcement-on the Winston Cup Series. Brian DeHart, formerly a Technical Inspector on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Busch Grand National Series, will replace Darby as Busch Grand National Series Director. DeHart will oversee all competitive aspects of the Busch Grand National Series. Wayne Auton, Director of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since June 1995, is continuing in that position. Joe Garone, a longtime crew chief in various NASCAR divisions, including Winston Cup, has been named the Research and Development Center Director. All of these individuals will report to NASCAR President Mike Helton and NASCAR. Senior Vice President George Pyne.(NASCAR PR)(10-19-2001)
