ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 17, 1996 TAG: 9602200019
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: ANGIE WATTS STAFF WRITER
Stepping into a new job isn't easy, but when you're replacing a veteran of the industry, it's even harder.
Eddie Clark, the new public relations and marketing director at New River Valley Speedway, is facing the challenge of learning who's who in racing and in the valley.
His predecessor, Morris Stephenson, initiated the position when the track opened in 1988. Stephenson left New River for a job at Lonesome Pine International Speedway in Coeburn.
"Morris was known throughout the valley, and if he didn't know you, then he knew your father," Clark said.
"I've got some really big shoes to fill, but he's been a big help. Morris calls me a couple times a week to see if I have any questions. He's been great helping me adapt to the change."
A 1994 graduate of Concord (W.Va.) College with a degree in communication, Clark served as sports director for the student television station.
He says this is the first job he's had since graduation that relates to his college major. Another plus for Clark, who grew up in Narrows, is that his parents, Charles and Lois, still live there.
"Finding a job like this in the New River Valley was really fortunate," Clark said. "I've grown up in sports all my life, and I've always been a big fan of NASCAR. This is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me being so close to home, and especially at a facility as nice as this one."
After getting settled into his new position, Clark says he hopes to implement some new programs that will make the speedway even more appealing to the fans.
He plans to establish a program with local high schools and colleges that will reward students - and keep them safe as well.
"I'd like to get the schools involved and reward students who have done well in an effort to encourage them," he said. "So many kids are easily influenced by their peers and that leads them to getting into trouble. We offer a controlled entertainment environment.
"I'd also like to see more of the NRV community involved here. We have good attendance, but the potential is great. This is a real family outlet and an atmosphere I feel should be taken advantage of for the entertainment. Anyone who likes racing will probably find this the most entertaining thing you can do on a weekend."
Clark will attend a conference in Daytona, Fla., this week leading up to the kickoff of the NASCAR season Feb. 18. He will participate in workshops designed to integrate him into the NASCAR scene.
"These programs will be essential to me, especially since I'm new," Clark said. "Their main goal will be to give me ideas on how to promote the track and bring people into the seats."
And while his seat may be new at the NRV Speedway, Clark said he was already feeling right at home.
"I'm not looking to go anywhere else," he said. "I really feel comfortable here. They've done a great job of bringing me in and showing me the ropes. This is a very reputable track throughout the South, and the opportunities here are limitless. NASCAR is growing in popularity every day and it's yet to reach a plateau."
LENGTH: Medium: 63 linesby CNB