Pacific Raceways announces management changes

(KENT, Wash) – As part of a company restructuring plan, Pacific Raceways President Jason Fiorito announced today a series of front office changes effective immediately. The changes come as part of the initial stages of a $130 million improvement and redevelopment plan.

Fiorito named raceway Operations Director John Ramsey the facility’s general manager.  In addition, Roundup Media CEO Alicia Shefchik Hall has been hired to represent the raceway in sales, marketing and promotion.

“We are moving forward with a plan to increase both our racer and fan experience through continual upgrades to the facility and improved communication with all of the people we serve,” said Fiorito. “John’s experience in organizational development and his love of racing makes him my first choice to help us build on the successes with all of our racing programs and look for new opportunities both on and off the track.”

Ramsey has worked at Pacific Raceways in marketing, media and operations.  Prior to the raceway, Ramsey was a community college administrator with extensive management experience. He was responsible for running a variety of areas including communication, strategic planning, governmental relations and broadcasting.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the great staff, racers, fans and supporters,” Ramsey said.  “I attended both drag and road course races here as a fan for many years and I raced extensively at the track in its weekly drag series, big races and national events.  The history here and the racing legends that have made laps around the road course and passes down the drag strip are amazing,” he said. 

Roundup Media began working with the raceway this summer. It helped to establish a robust social media program, working with sponsors and media partners on events such as the Rainier Cup and the October 27th Pumpkin Bash Dash 6K mud run. 

“Alicia Shefchik Hall is a smart and dynamic addition to our team and will help grow our reach with fans and supporters,” Fiorito said. “I’m very pleased with the partnership we have with Roundup Media.”

A Puyallup-based company, Roundup Media LLC excels in new media, public relations and event management with a long list of clients throughout the Northwest.  Shefchik Hall grew up in a racing family and worked at the family’s racing fabrication business.  She has an MBA from Seattle University.

“There is tremendous potential at Pacific Raceways as a site for world-class racing and other forms of entertainment,” said Shefchik Hall.  “In terms of seating capacity, the raceway is the fourth largest venue in the state and that’s exciting.” 

Fiorito also named Rick Straley assistant drag strip manager.  Straley is the track’s official starter and has been responsible for preparing the track for events.  He joins drag manager Ed Garfield in managing race operations on the quarter-mile strip.

“We have the best drag crew around and this year we proved that Pacific Raceways is the best prepped track in the Northwest,” said Fiorito.  “Adding Rick to the management team will bolster our operation as we continue to grow the drag program.”

About Pacific Raceways

Pacific Raceways is the largest multipurpose racing facility in the Northwest.  In addition to the national event caliber drag strip and the historic 2.25-mile road course, the raceway re-opened its motocross track in August and hosts ProFormance Racing School and Pacific Grand Prix karting track.  For more information, visit pacificraceways.com.