It’s been a while since NHRA officially had a Senior Director of Competition, but after an announcement yesterday, now they do. 

Mike Rice, who relinquished his role as NHRA’s Division 7 Director, has accepted the role of Senior Director of Competition. Rice’s role marks the first time someone has officially held the role since 2003.  Graham Light held a similar role but was always titled Sr. Vice President of Operations. 

Rice first came to work with NHRA in 2001, where he 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. He will also be involved in guiding the seven NHRA Division Directors. 

“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.” 

“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.”