Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca officials announced that automobile industry veteran Barry Toepke will be joining the company as Vice President, Historic Races.
“I have known and worked with Barry throughout both of our Historic Racing careers and I am so pleased to have him on our team,” said Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
“I’m thrilled to assume this important role and look forward to continue honoring the preservation and restoration of the world’s finest historic race cars,” said Barry Toepke. “I have been involved with the Rolex Monterey Historics in various capacities for 19 years and I can’t think of any better way to celebrate my 20th anniversary than by participating in this extraordinary event.
“Simply put, this event is about two things: bringing together authentic race and sports cars that are rarely seen on track and honoring the people who made them famous,” Toepke added.
Toepke, who previously was VP of Global Communications at RWB Marketing & Communications, will work together with the staff at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of sales, marketing, operations and the execution of the vision for the new era. Toepke will work closely with Gill Campbell to ensure this world renowned event will continue to draw the top vintage automobiles and drivers as well as expanding the fan experience. Toepke can be reached at barry@mazdaraceway.com.
The 37th annual Monterey Historic Automobile Races® will be held August 13-15, 2010. Tickets go on sale November 17, 2009 by phone (800) 327-7322 or at www.mazdaraceway.com.
[Source: Mazda Raceway; photo credit, Dennis Gray]
Wow, this is great news! Barry Toepke did a tremendous job when he worked with Steve Earle on previous Monterey Historic events. Now, with his additional industry experience and contacts he’ll be a valuable asset to the new event. I’m thinking we’ll see the return of the Race of Champions, as Barry was instrumental in producing that event for Toyota.