GREENVILLE, SC :: After months of negotiations, a multi-year deal was signed late Wednesday between track owner Kevin Whitaker and the 2014 NWAAS National Points Champion, Anthony Anders, to lease the historic Greenville Pickens Speedway facility starting with the 2015 season.
Anders wasted little time Thursday in assembling and delegating responsibilities to his new “transition team” as he shared his vision for the future of GPS. “It is a huge undertaking to pull all the details together in such a short time” Anders said. “Every contract and agreement…including sanctioning bodies, vendors, suppliers, service providers, advertisers, staff, and employees has to be reviewed, negotiated, and signed.“
Anthony Anders will take on the role of General Manager and Promoter. He will be bringing in a mix of new employees in combination with many of the previous G-P staff. The biggest change competitors and fans will see will be along pit road and in the garage area. More technical inspectors and pit stewards are being brought in to better facilitate efficient operations and close competition. “Safety is our main focus…as we strive to improve the outdated facility and strengthen weekly programs “, Anders added. “I’ve already gotten confirmation of support from these community businesses: Southern Utilities, Bryan Ramey & Associates, Martin & Martin Auto Auction, Bank of Travelers Rest, Outback Steakhouse of Easley, ORTEC Racing…just to name a few.” Another new addition will be Anders’ daughter, Kirstie. She is putting together a kids club fan program – organizing fun activities and giveaways for the youth each week during intermission.
Greg Guarry will be the Facilities and Operations Manager as well as the new Competition Director. He’ll be Anders’ eyes and ears at the track while handling the daily operations and competition administration. Greg brings a wealth of knowledge with him to GPS with a racing resume spanning 30 years. From his stock car beginnings at Langley Speedway in Hampton, VA, he has held positions in car ownership, management, crew chief, engineering, and spotter in all of NASCAR’s divisions. Greg is currently the Senior Engineer at Ortec Machining and Fabrication and has held that position for the past 9 years. He has also worked closely in the past with notable car builders Mike Laughlin, Jay Hedgecock, and Rick Townsend. Greg’s biggest initial task will be implementing automation and enhanced services, including a new electronic timing and scoring system for all divisions at GPS. Greg and his team will also be revamping rules, policies, and procedures relating to all technical aspects of competition. He will also be hosting a pre-season information meeting with each division to issue the 2015 rules package and moderate a Q&A session with the race teams.
Several familiar faces will return. Cary Hardin will continue his duties as weekly race director and social media manager; while Mark Turner will resume his flagging duties and trackside voice of G-P in victory lane. Long time race journalist, Reese Fant, will also be topside, to document each week’s racing action for the weekly race report and press release. Other positions will be added and announced as agreements are reached.
While the official 2015 Season Schedule is set to be released next week, GPS management has confirmed the season is expected to run as usual, from early March until late September…with a practice session tenatively scheduled in late February. There are just a few outstanding dates remaining to be confirmed by several touring series and other special events.
Many improvements, needed repairs, and the beginning phases of implementation of Anders’ new vision for the future of GPS are already underway at this historic facility. We hope everyone will make their plans to stop by and check out the NEW Greenville-Pickens Speedway this spring!
