Photo: Getty Images
Darlington Raceway Track President, Kerry Tharp announced his retirement today. With 20 years of leadership experience in racing, NASCAR and Kerry Tharp announced that he is retiring at the end of 2023. This year's COOK OUT Southern 500 will be Kerry's final race at Darlington Raceway. Kerry as been the track president since 2016.
According to Kerry Tharp: “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve as president of this beloved South Carolina institution,” ... “I’ve poured my heart and soul into serving our fans, and they’ve in turn embraced my wife Debbie and our family as one of their own. I look forward to the remainder of this year and experiencing another exciting Labor Day Weekend with our fans during all of the Cook Out Southern 500 festivities.”
Tharp served as track president for seven years, after serving 11 years leading NASCAR's communications efforts for three NASCAR series. All that, after a 26 year career in college athletics, including serving as Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations at University of South Carolina.
Chip Wile, commented: “Kerry Tharp’s passion for Darlington Raceway and the state of South Carolina is without question and permeates everything he does,” said Chip Wile, Tharp’s predecessor as track president and NASCAR’s current Chief Tracks Operating Officer. “We’re beyond grateful for Kerry’s service to Darlington Raceway and NASCAR, and we wish Kerry and Debbie continued happiness and success as they embark on this hard-earned next chapter of their lives. I look forward to the fans and industry celebrating his incredible career during the Cook Out Southern 500.”
The Cook Out Southern 500 weekend is scheduled for Labor day weekend, September 2-3. The NASCAR Xfinity Series' Sports Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 on September 2, 2023. Then, Sunday September 3, NASCAR Cup Playoffs begins with the Cook Out Southern 500.