INDIANAPOLIS — The NHRA made various Division Director changes on Tuesday, including Nick Duty as the new West Central Division Director.
With his role, Duty will oversee NHRA member tracks in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
“I have been involved in weekly drag racing, as an employee and operator, since I was 12 years old,” Duty said. “I am looking forward to taking everything that I’ve learned at the track level and bringing a unique perspective to NHRA. Drag racing is evolving quickly and I’m excited about working for an organization that leads the industry and is embracing the future.”
Before coming to the NHRA, Duty spent time managing North Star Dragway in Denton, Texas and later Thunder Valley Raceway Park in Nobe, Oklahoma.
“We are excited to welcome Nick to our team,” said Josh Peterson, NHRA Vice President of Racing Administration. “His passion for drag racing and background in track management make him a great addition to the team of division directors and the NHRA West Central division.”
Duty joins a team of division directors who represent the seven divisions of the NHRA. The NHRA West Central sees several Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events throughout the season as well as NHRA national events at Bandimere Speedway, Heartland Motorsports Park and Brainerd International Raceway.
“I’m excited to jump into the 2023 season,” Duty said. “I believe my experience operating local tracks will be an asset in working with the tracks that make up the backbone of NHRA and make them more successful.”
Craig Curdie named Northeast Division Director
Craig Curdie was also named the new Northeast Division Director (Division 1), overseeing NHRA member tracks in Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia as well as tracks in Canadian providences New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.
“I am looking forward to working with the thousands of passionate and dedicated competitors, crew members and family members to continue and expand upon the outstanding reputation of the NHRA,” said Curdie. “Fan engagement is also very important to me. I, like many others, used to be that little boy who took his toy cars everywhere, and would freeze when a louder-than-normal engine or piece of heavy equipment drove past. The ability to be part of the moment where you can literally watch a little kid become a gearhead is truly indescribable.”
Curdie comes to the role from Feld Entertainment. For the past decade, he worked in production with touring groups such as Monster Jam and Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey, and was most recently a tour manager for Monster Jam.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Craig to our division director team,” said Josh Peterson, NHRA Vice President of Racing Administration. “His excitement about the role and experience in scheduling, setting up, managing, and executing live events makes him a great addition to the Northeast Division. We’re excited to seeing him into the role as he works alongside the member tracks and racers in the Northeast region.”
Curdie joins a team of division directors who represent the seven divisions of the NHRA. The Northeast Division sees several Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events throughout the season as well as NHRA national events at New England Dragway and Maple Grove Raceway.
“I’m looking forward to jumping into the 2023 season,” Curdie said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be able to work alongside the passionate racers and member tracks of Division 1.”