NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

NHRA officials announced the promotion of Mike Rice to Senior Director of Competition and the addition of Matt DeYoung as Division Director of the Pacific Division (Division 7).

Rice, who started with NHRA in 2001, served as the Division Director of Division 7 for 16 years. In his new role as NHRA Sr. Director of Competition, Rice will lead tower operations at all NHRA national events, coordinate and maintain daily on-track schedules, and communicate with race teams. Rice will also be instrumental in guiding the Division Directors with his years of experience.

With Rice in his new role as NHRA Senior Director of Competition, DeYoung will step into the Division 7, working with the NHRA member tracks in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Hawaii. Prior to his new role, DeYoung managed Tucson Dragway for five years.

“I’m excited to continue working with our racers, track operators, Division Directors, and NHRA personnel to move drag racing forward,” said Rice. “Facing and overcoming the challenges we face each week to complete a successful event for all of our stakeholders is something I relish.”

“I am excited to step into the Division Director role,” said DeYoung. “D7 has always been close to my heart. This is the division I grew up in and the division that I spent so much time with while at Tucson Dragway. I look forward to building more community in our division, growing with our member tracks, and showing the Motorsports world what the NHRA can do for our racers, fans, and families!”

“During his time as the Division Director of the Pacific Division, Mike Rice has been instrumental in the growth of the division,” said Josh Peterson, NHRA Vice President of Racing Administration. “In this new role, Mike will help provide continuity across each national event. We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the team. His passion for racing and background in track management will be a great addition to the team of division directors and the NHRA Pacific Division.”