The National Hot Rod Association has announced that Glen Cromwell, who rose through NHRA’s ranks from Division Director to become Senior Vice President, Media and Marketing, is promoted to President, effective January 1, 2018.
Cromwell succeeds Peter Clifford as President. Clifford will assume the newly created post of CEO, following over 20 years with the organization, including serving as its president since 2015. Cromwell will head up NHRA’s leadership team and will report to Clifford and the board.
“Glen Cromwell takes the helm of NHRA at an exciting time, with all of our metrics on the upswing,” said Dallas Gardner, Chairman of the NHRA Board of Directors. “With the forward momentum created by Peter Clifford’s leadership, including leading NHRA’s transition to producing its own television programs in-house and creating an entirely new broadcast and media organization, Glen will be able to build the sport even further. Glen began his career with NHRA as a division director, and was hands-on in running NHRA’s grassroots racing series in the southwestern United States and Hawaii. He soon moved into a broader marketing role and has played a major part in NHRA’s growth over the years, leading countless initiatives to bring the sport to more people and to support racers, teams, sponsors, and always our fans, both on-site and at home.”
Cromwell joined NHRA in 1997 and has been a key player leading the sport’s marketing efforts for the past 20 years. In addition, he has been leading all of the sanctioning body’s television and new media activities and its owned racetracks.
“I look forward to my new role and to working with the entire NHRA team to bring NHRA Championship Drag Racing to even more people,” Cromwell said. “Thanks to the support of our many marketing partners; our broadcast partner Fox Sports; our track partners; our team owners, drivers and crews; our loyal fans; and of course our team of dedicated employees, NHRA drag racing is poised for continued growth and greater exposure. I look forward to continuing to work with Peter Clifford and the rest of the board as we enhance our programs and continue to expand the sport.”
“Glen’s depth and breadth of experience with NHRA is unmatched,” said Peter Clifford, NHRA president. “Since his promotion to Senior Vice President, he’s quickly learned every facet of the business and I have every confidence he’ll succeed in leading NHRA into the next decade. Glen’s commitment to growing the sport and to doing everything in his power to meet the needs of our many and varied constituencies – fans, racers, sponsors, partner tracks, television, media and more – is unparalleled. I’m looking forward to turning over the reins to Glen and working with him in the years to come. I’ll be available as a resource to consult, advise and serve as a sounding board,” said Clifford.
“I’ve loved NHRA ever since I started as a division director, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to lead this amazing organization. I can’t wait to get started and to continue to grow the sport and lead the NHRA team,” Cromwell said.