Bruce Anderson has seen racing from about every possible vantage point at South Boston Speedway. First as a fan from the stands as a child. Then from behind the wheel of a race car when he was a little older. He also knows what the view is like from Victory Lane.
This year he’ll have an all new view as the track’s first driver liaison. While he will be involved with many facets of the track’s operation, Anderson’s main task is to serve as a direct line of communication between the drivers and teams and track management.
“I want the racers to feel open to talk to me and know I’m here to help them,” said Anderson. “I’m working for the track, but my dedication is to the racers of all the different divisions. I don’t care if it’s a Hornet or a Late Model. I want them racing at South Boston and for them to have a great time doing it while being here.”
Anderson has over 30 feature wins at South Boston Speedway and has two Limited Division championships to his credit. He’s spent the last two seasons running select Late Model events for the Racing College out of Martinsville. He still plans on making a few starts for that team this season.
“When we first started talking about this position, Bruce was the first person to come to mind. He’s well-liked in the pits. He understands the sport. He understands what we are trying to do,” said Cathy Rice, South Boston Speedway’s general manager.
“We believe he’ll be able to talk to the drivers and teams and communicate back to us exactly what is going on, what the teams may need, what they like or don’t like. Bruce is going to be a very valuable asset, not just to us, but to everyone that races here and all the fans who come to watch races.”
Other duties that fall under Anderson’s job title include working to help streamline race-day schedules and procedures, working with teams to attract more cars to South Boston and working on track and division rules.
Anderson is quick to point out, though, that his job precludes any involvement with race-day inspection or race calls.
“My job does not reflect any tech calls or race director calls,” said Anderson. “I may have suggestions and feedback from drivers. Or I may even speak on behalf of a team if they do not feel they are getting a fair shake.”
Anderson calls it an “exciting time” at South Boston Speedway with many off-season announcements including a $1million capital improvement plan and rules changes to help cut the cost of racing for the teams.
“It’s very special to me to be a part of this era of change at South Boston Speedway,” said Anderson. “I think the decision to create this position, for me to talk to racers and get their thoughts, shows how committed the track is to short-track racers in the region.”
Anderson will be in the pits and on the job when racing returns to South Boston Speedway on Saturday, March 12 with the Danville Toyota NASCAR Whelen Late Model twin 100-lap races headlining the afternoon show. There will also be a 50-lap Limited race, 30-lap Pure Stock race, 50-lap Modified race and a 15-lap Hornet race.
