US 131 Motorsports Park has retained veteran motorsports executive Steve Earwood as a consultant to Vice President of Operations Jason Peterson, a move aimed at strengthening the facility’s competitive position and expanding its event portfolio.
Track officials said Earwood will work directly with management and staff to develop new programs while refining established cornerstone events, including the Northern Nationals.
Peterson said Earwood’s background and relationships across multiple eras of drag racing make him a strategic addition at a time when facilities must differentiate themselves to attract racers, fans, and partners. He emphasized that Earwood has already contributed insight during early discussions.
“Steve brings a wealth of experience and a list of contacts in this industry that is unparalleled,” Peterson said. “He already has provided valuable insight, and we look forward to his involvement in making a great US 131 experience even better for our racers, our fans, and our partners.”
Earwood will travel from his home in Southern Pines, North Carolina, to attend meetings and major events in Martin, Michigan. His role is expected to be advisory but hands-on, with an emphasis on long-term planning and event positioning.
His résumé spans more than five decades in drag racing and motorsports promotion, beginning in the 1970s when he promoted outlaw Pro Stock events at tracks in Gainesville, Florida, and other markets. Those early efforts helped establish his reputation as a promoter willing to challenge conventions and expand audiences.
That work led to his hiring as National Media Relations Director for the NHRA in 1975, a role that proved pivotal for the sport’s national visibility. During his tenure, Earwood focused on cultivating relationships with mainstream sports journalists rather than limiting outreach to trade publications.
His efforts resulted in drag racing coverage from outlets that had rarely acknowledged the sport, including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and Sports Illustrated. Industry observers credit that period with helping position drag racing as a legitimate national motorsports discipline.
Following his departure from NHRA, Earwood was named vice president of marketing for the Texas Motorplex when the facility opened in 1986. He later served as president and co-owner of Atlanta Dragway during a multi-million-dollar renovation that repositioned the track within the regional racing landscape.
In 1992, Earwood realized a long-held ambition when he purchased Rockingham Dragway, becoming both owner and operator of the historic facility. Under his leadership, Rockingham became known for hosting high-profile events that drew competitors and fans from across the country.
For a decade, the track hosted the NHRA Winston Invitational, an event that gained national attention despite not carrying official national-event status. The race became a destination for professional athletes and celebrities, further elevating the track’s profile.
In 1997, during Earwood’s stewardship, the Winston Invitational became the first drag race to award $100,000 to its Top Fuel and Funny Car winners. That milestone was widely regarded as a turning point in race purses and promoter ambition.
Earwood’s contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including induction into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2016 with the Founders Award. He has also received an NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award and the Jeff Byrd Memorial Award from the North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
While at Rockingham, he was named NHRA Southeast Division Man of the Year in 1994 and earned National Promoter of the Year honors from the IHRA in 2001 and 2008, as well as from the ADRA in 2015. Those accolades reflected both competitive success and sustained operational leadership.
Beyond track ownership, Earwood has been active in industry governance and community initiatives. He is a founding member of the North Carolina Motorsports Association and serves on the board of Racers for Christ International.
He also served on the Governor’s Motorsports Advisory Council while operating Rockingham Dragway, giving him experience working with public officials on motorsports-related economic and regulatory issues. That background is expected to be relevant as tracks navigate zoning, safety, and development concerns.
Peterson said the decision to retain Earwood reflects US 131’s intent to think beyond single events and focus on long-term growth. He noted that experience across promotion, media, and operations is increasingly valuable as facilities compete for attention and participation.
“We’re confident that Steve’s industry expertise and his extensive network of contacts will play a key role in expanding the park’s offerings and maintaining its standing in the motorsports community,” Peterson said.
