Tom Compton, formerly executive vice president and general manager of the National Hot Rod Association, was named president, effective Jan. 1, 2000. He becomes just the third president in the sanctioning body's incredible 48-year history. Compton immediately pledged -- and delivered -- an enhanced television package, a better fan experience, better facilities, closer racing, and unheard-of exposure for the NHRA.
Simultaneously, it was announced that longtime NHRA President Dallas Gardner will become chairman of the NHRA board of directors. Wally Parks, who founded NHRA in the early 1950s, will remain on the board of directors and serve as chairman of the NHRA Motorsports Museum at Fairplex in Pomona.
