LOUDON, NH – New Hampshire Motor Speedway general manager Jerry Gappens has resigned, according to an announcement posted on the speedway website.
Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith has announced the promoti0n of David McGrath to the position of executive vice president and general manager.
Gappens worked for the company for 23 years and served as GM since 2008. He retained his position this year in the aftermath of an arrest in Manchester in January, a lewdness charge involving a 19-year-old woman who was with him in his car.
Gappens apologized publicly for the incident.
His resignation comes one week after the final NASCAR race of the season.
McGrath, 51, joined the speedway in November of 2011 as the director of advertising and promotions. He was voted by his peers as the speedway’s Employee of the Year in 2012. McGrath was promoted to vice president of marketing and promotions in January of 2013 and then to vice president of corporate sales in January of 2014.
“I am thrilled to lead and inspire this wonderful team of dedicated employees, who are as equally passionate about the success of New Hampshire Motor Speedway as I am,” McGrath said. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work in this new capacity as we continue to move our business forward in 2016 and beyond.”
Gappens served as GM since 2008 and retained his position this year in spite of a January arrest and guilty plea for lewdness. That incident occurred with a 19-year-old New Hampshire woman in his parked car, something the 53-year-old apologized for in a May statement.
“Jerry Gappens has been a significant part of our company’s growth both at Charlotte Motor Speedway and in New Hampshire. We are appreciative for his 23 years of service and wish him the very best for the future,” Smith said.
“I’ve spent the majority of my working life promoting events for Speedway Motorsports, and it’s been an experience I’ll always treasure,” Gappens said. “I truly appreciate the opportunities provided to me by the Smith family. Now that a successful 25th Anniversary season is complete at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the time is right for me to move on to the next chapter in my life. The Magic Mile will no doubt continue to prosper under David’s leadership.”
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