Filed under: Daytona Int'l Speedway, NASCAR Tracks, NASCAR
In the midst of its first repaving job in 30 years, Daytona International Speedway found itself with a new president Friday when Robin Braig was suddenly replaced by Joie Chitwood III (right), namesake of the famous stunt driving family.
The speedway said that "effective immediately," Braig "will leave to pursue other opportunities."
Chitwood, 41, has been Vice President of Business Development for International Speedway Corporation, which owns the speedway and 12 other major tracks, since 2009. He was at Indy before that and previously was Vice President and General Manager of Raceway Associates, LLC, which oversaw construction and operation of the 1.5-mile Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., from 1999-2002.
Starting at age five, Chitwood performed in his family's motorsports entertainment business, the well-known Chitwood Thrill Show. His grandfather, Joie, who started the thrill show, competed in seven Indy 500s from 1940 to 1950.
"We are very fortunate to have a seasoned executive of Joie's proven ability to step into this important position as President of Daytona International Speedway," ISC's Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy said in a statement released by the speedway. "Joie is highly respected throughout the industry and brings a lifetime of motorsports entertainment experience to Daytona.
"I would also like to thank Robin for his passion and dedication to the speedway and to promoting motorsports. I wish him much success in his future endeavors."
Braig served as Daytona's president for seven years, replacing John Graham.
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