NASCAR Leads Industry With Annual Summit To Start 2016 Season

Innovation And Safety Highlight Concord Gathering

With the DAYTONA 500 right around the corner, the men and women who are tasked with the safety, security and organization across NASCAR gathered in Concord, North Carolina, in a collaboration of ideas and advancements.

NASCAR’s annual Summit, the largest gathering of track services, medical, safety, and security personnel in the motorsports industry, will conclude today after three days of professional seminars, training and topical discussions.

The Summit began nearly 15 years ago when a small group of attendees gathered in January to share benchmarks and prepare for the upcoming NASCAR season. The 2016 Summit marked the 10th year it was held at the Embassy Suites Concord Conference Center.

“Seeking constant improvement is a hallmark that defines these dedicated professionals,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “As the industry collectively prepares to begin another racing season, the Summit provides a unique opportunity to exchange vitally important information, advancements, and best practices – with the overarching intent of delivering the best possible event experience.”

The Summit features general sessions and smaller breakout seminars and workshops specific to each functional area. This year’s event included more than 30 focused sessions on topics ranging from incident management to severe weather protocol. Senior Communication Consultant for Game On Nation and former NFL player Leonard Wheeler, a renowned expert in leadership development, delivered the keynote address for the event.

NASCAR also presented awards to individuals for meritorious achievements in their various fields. Bill Braniff, senior director of construction for International Speedway Corporation’s Design and Development unit, was honored with the Jim Bockoven Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary contributions across the NASCAR industry for more than 10 years in the area of track asphalt and maintenance. The full list of those recognized for their work in 2015 includes:

Medical

• Above and Beyond Award – Andy “Sippy” Biron, New Hampshire Motor Speedway
• Teamwork Award – Atlanta Motor Speedway Infield Care Center and New Hampshire Motor Speedway Infield Care Center / Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital
• Excellence Award – Jay Nadeau, Daytona International Speedway

Security

• Steve Beres – Director of Security, Daytona International Speedway
• Greg Scott – Senior Manager of Event Operations, Kansas Speedway
• Bill Hindman – Security Manager, Phoenix International Raceway

Track Services

• Jim Bockoven Track Services Lifetime Achievement Award – Bill Braniff, International Speedway Corporation
• Excellence in Track Services Award – George Ewald, Pocono Raceway
• Track Services Teamwork Award – Road Atlanta
• Track Services Innovation Award – Dan Eakins (R&B Fabrications)
• Track Services Mission Award – Kristina Frederick, Kentucky Speedway

The 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regular season will kick off with the 58th running of the Daytona 500® on Sunday, Feb. 21 at Daytona International Speedway®. The Great American Race® will be broadcast live on FOX, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, with additional coverage on NASCAR.com.

NASCAR IMC