Sunday Coverage | 22nd Annual Red Line Synthetic Oil NMCA World Finals Presented by Chevrolet Performance
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After nearly two decades of loyal service, ProMedia Director of Event & Field Operations Gene Bergstrom has announced his retirement following the completion of the 2023 season.
Bergstrom came to the NMRA and NMCA series in 2004 as an experienced administrator who specialized in drag racing event production, and for the next 19 years, he provided a steady hand to help guide the success and growth of both series. Today, the NMCA Red Line Synthetic Oil Drag Racing Series and Holley NMRA Drag Racing Series are widely recognized for their inclusive and racer-friendly environment, and that success is in large part due to Bergstrom’s numerous contributions and steadfast leadership.
“I think its just time. I’ve been doing this for 45 years and I want to be able to enjoy life a little,” said Bergstrom. “I’m not sure I know what retirement is, but I will figure it out. I went to my first race in 1955 and I loved it right then and there. I remember thinking that somehow I needed to find a way to make a living doing this and I’m fortunate that I have been able to do that.”
During his long tenure, Bergstrom was responsible for ProMedia's event and field operations with an emphasis on providing oversite and development of both series. Bergstrom helped to write technical rules and establish policies and procedures. He was also the Chairman for the NMRA and NMCA Rules Committees and played a vital role in establishing and improving communications to meet the needs of the NMRA and NMCA racer base and members.
Prior to joining ProMedia, Bergstrom provided two decades of full-time service to NHRA. He began his career in 1964 as a racer who drove a number of Ford Stock Eliminator entries. Bergstrom was later named NHRA's Northwest and Pacific Division-7 Director in 1979. In 1990, he was promoted to NHRA National Field Director. Bergstrom has served on numerous rules committees including the exclusive NHRA Competition Committee. Bergstrom also served as the Director of Operations at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California.
“The biggest thing I will miss is the people; It’s always been about the people,” said Bergstrom. “The cars are certainly cool but in this sport, you meet a real cross section of people from all walks of life, and that’s what has always appealed to me. You meet racers and people within this industry, and they quickly become close personal friends, and most times, they are like a second family. That’s the one thing I’ll miss.”
Upon his retirement, Bergstrom, an avid golfer and boating enthusiast, plans to return to Parker, Ariz., where he shares a home with his wife, Judy.
Sunday Coverage | 22nd Annual Red Line Synthetic Oil NMCA World Finals Presented by Chevrolet Performance
After nearly two decades of loyal service, ProMedia Director of Event & Field Operations Gene Bergstrom has announced his retirement following the completion of the 2023 season.
Bergstrom came to the NMRA and NMCA series in 2004 as an experienced administrator who specialized in drag racing event production, and for the next 19 years, he provided a steady hand to help guide the success and growth of both series. Today, the NMCA Red Line Synthetic Oil Drag Racing Series and Holley NMRA Drag Racing Series are widely recognized for their inclusive and racer-friendly environment, and that success is in large part due to Bergstrom’s numerous contributions and steadfast leadership.
“I think its just time. I’ve been doing this for 45 years and I want to be able to enjoy life a little,” said Bergstrom. “I’m not sure I know what retirement is, but I will figure it out. I went to my first race in 1955 and I loved it right then and there. I remember thinking that somehow I needed to find a way to make a living doing this and I’m fortunate that I have been able to do that.”
During his long tenure, Bergstrom was responsible for ProMedia's event and field operations with an emphasis on providing oversite and development of both series. Bergstrom helped to write technical rules and establish policies and procedures. He was also the Chairman for the NMRA and NMCA Rules Committees and played a vital role in establishing and improving communications to meet the needs of the NMRA and NMCA racer base and members.
Prior to joining ProMedia, Bergstrom provided two decades of full-time service to NHRA. He began his career in 1964 as a racer who drove a number of Ford Stock Eliminator entries. Bergstrom was later named NHRA's Northwest and Pacific Division-7 Director in 1979. In 1990, he was promoted to NHRA National Field Director. Bergstrom has served on numerous rules committees including the exclusive NHRA Competition Committee. Bergstrom also served as the Director of Operations at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California.
“The biggest thing I will miss is the people; It’s always been about the people,” said Bergstrom. “The cars are certainly cool but in this sport, you meet a real cross section of people from all walks of life, and that’s what has always appealed to me. You meet racers and people within this industry, and they quickly become close personal friends, and most times, they are like a second family. That’s the one thing I’ll miss.”
Upon his retirement, Bergstrom, an avid golfer and boating enthusiast, plans to return to Parker, Ariz., where he shares a home with his wife, Judy.
Sunday Coverage | 22nd Annual Red Line Synthetic Oil NMCA World Finals Presented by Chevrolet Performance