In a move that should please fans and competitors, South Boston Speedway announced today that veteran race official Lynn Carroll would be returning to the track in 2016 as race director.
Carroll came onboard to help South Boston late in the 2015 season but until this week it wasn’t a certainty he was returning in 2016.
“South Boston is the first track I ever worked at, back in 1978 or so. And I used to race there some, too,” said Carroll. “There are great people there. They’ve got a good bunch of competitors and the staff is great to work with.”
With almost 40 years of experience, Carroll is one of the country’s foremost authorities on the rules and procedures in weekly racing. He spent a good part of the past decade as the director of weekly racing for NASCAR before retiring in 2014. He has been the race director for Martinsville Speedway’s nationally-acclaimed Late Model race for many years, and also called the shots at other weekly tracks in the region during his career.
“I’m very honored and excited to have Lynn Carroll as our race director here at South Boston Speedway in 2016,” said Cathy Rice, general manager of South Boston Speedway. “With his knowledge and reputation, I see nothing but good for our competitors and the sport. Lynn knows both sides of the sport and has many years under his belt doing the job.”
Running the on-track side of things in weekly racing can be a thankless job, but Carroll said he looks forward to the engines cranking back up at South Boston.
“It’s not that bad once you’ve done it for 40 years like I have,” said Carroll. “It’s just like going to work every day. It’s a competitive sport, so everybody sees things their way. I just try to be fair and treat everyone the same way.”
Even though the race director- competitor relationship can be contentious at times, drivers understand the need for a steady and strong hand running the show.
“I feel like having someone like Lynn Carroll as a race director is critical for short-track survival,” said Lee Pulliam, South Boston regular who recently claimed his third NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championship.
“Lynn has so much experience in the sport and can give advice and directions on anything from race director and on down to the tech shed.
“I think Lynn makes all the competitors feel welcome, but on the other hand he calls the race the same no matter who is involved in it and that is greatly appreciated.”
Racing returns to South Boston Speedway Saturday, March 12 with an afternoon of action featuring Late Models, Limiteds, Pure Stocks, Hornets and Modifieds.
