Racing Surface Specialist
NHRA - Manager
United States · Remote
Event Operations/Management · Competition Management
$65,000 - $80,000 / year
0
1
day ago
Company Overview:
At the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), we crave speed. We race the fastest vehicles in motorsports at speeds of more than 300 mph, with power exceeding 11,000 hp. Our MISSION is to preserve, protect, promote, and evolve the sport of drag racing; furthermore, focus on the safety of the sport, while entertaining and educating all involved. At NHRA, we believe in Speed for All. Our CORE VALUES are enabled and intertwined in all we do, on and off the track.
Safety: In all aspects of our sport and workplace.
Excellence & Professionalism: We strive for excellence in all we do and maintaining professionalism on and off the track.
Collaboration/Teamwork: Commitment to working together and sharing as a team.
Great Work Environment: A supportive and inclusive atmosphere that fosters creativity, innovation, and growth where our employees feel valued and motivated.
Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of fairness and transparency in all decisions affecting our employees and stakeholders.
Inclusion: An environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.
Position Summary:
The Racing Surface Specialist is responsible for overseeing the preparation, inspection, maintenance, cleanup, documentation, and continuous improvement of racing surfaces at NHRA National Events and other designated facilities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the racing surface is event-ready, consistent, properly maintained, and aligned with NHRA safety and operational standards. The role requires strong technical knowledge of racing surface preparation, attention to detail, effective communication with race teams and internal stakeholders, and the ability to support best practices across NHRA member tracks and division events. This is a full-time position reporting to the Vice President of National and Field Operations, and eligible for the Company benefits package.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
· Working with host facilities in advance of the event to understand track conditions, procedures and products used.
· Arrive at National Event facility sites in advance of the event to inspect the racing surface, facility conditions, and related safety areas.
· Identify potential track surface or facility issues, including track scraping needs, barrier walls, gates, top-end containment, and objects located outside the walls that may affect event safety or operations.
· Oversee all racing surface preparation and cleanup activities before and during each event.
· Manage and support the use, readiness, and maintenance of racing surface preparation and cleaning equipment, including PJH sprayer units, rotators, oil absorbent applicators, track scrapers, track scrubbers, and related tools.
· Maintain detailed records of factors affecting racing surface conditions before and during events, including atmospheric conditions, surface observations, PJH application amounts, application speed, tip size, and other relevant variables.
· Communicate racing surface preparation plans, actions, and updates with PRO representatives, crew chiefs, event leadership, and other appropriate stakeholders.
· Identify, document, and evaluate all on-track cleanup efforts during events, including the response to unwanted liquids, debris, or other contaminants on the racing surface.
· Partner with traction product and cleaning product companies to research, test, and develop more effective methods for cleaning and maintaining racing surfaces.
· Coordinate and participate in offsite testing as needed to evaluate new products, equipment, processes, and best practices.
· Work with Division Directors and NHRA Member Tracks to support racing surface best practices, training, and technical guidance.
· Provide demonstrations and presentations on racing surface preparation and maintenance best practices at Division meetings, PRI, and other industry or internal events as requested.
· Participate in project upgrades related to the racing surface.
· Other duties as relevant and assigned.
Safety: In all aspects of our sport and workplace.
Excellence & Professionalism: We strive for excellence in all we do and maintaining professionalism on and off the track.
Collaboration/Teamwork: Commitment to working together and sharing as a team.
Great Work Environment: A supportive and inclusive atmosphere that fosters creativity, innovation, and growth where our employees feel valued and motivated.
Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of fairness and transparency in all decisions affecting our employees and stakeholders.
Inclusion: An environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.
Position Summary:
The Racing Surface Specialist is responsible for overseeing the preparation, inspection, maintenance, cleanup, documentation, and continuous improvement of racing surfaces at NHRA National Events and other designated facilities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the racing surface is event-ready, consistent, properly maintained, and aligned with NHRA safety and operational standards. The role requires strong technical knowledge of racing surface preparation, attention to detail, effective communication with race teams and internal stakeholders, and the ability to support best practices across NHRA member tracks and division events. This is a full-time position reporting to the Vice President of National and Field Operations, and eligible for the Company benefits package.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
· Working with host facilities in advance of the event to understand track conditions, procedures and products used.
· Arrive at National Event facility sites in advance of the event to inspect the racing surface, facility conditions, and related safety areas.
· Identify potential track surface or facility issues, including track scraping needs, barrier walls, gates, top-end containment, and objects located outside the walls that may affect event safety or operations.
· Oversee all racing surface preparation and cleanup activities before and during each event.
· Manage and support the use, readiness, and maintenance of racing surface preparation and cleaning equipment, including PJH sprayer units, rotators, oil absorbent applicators, track scrapers, track scrubbers, and related tools.
· Maintain detailed records of factors affecting racing surface conditions before and during events, including atmospheric conditions, surface observations, PJH application amounts, application speed, tip size, and other relevant variables.
· Communicate racing surface preparation plans, actions, and updates with PRO representatives, crew chiefs, event leadership, and other appropriate stakeholders.
· Identify, document, and evaluate all on-track cleanup efforts during events, including the response to unwanted liquids, debris, or other contaminants on the racing surface.
· Partner with traction product and cleaning product companies to research, test, and develop more effective methods for cleaning and maintaining racing surfaces.
· Coordinate and participate in offsite testing as needed to evaluate new products, equipment, processes, and best practices.
· Work with Division Directors and NHRA Member Tracks to support racing surface best practices, training, and technical guidance.
· Provide demonstrations and presentations on racing surface preparation and maintenance best practices at Division meetings, PRI, and other industry or internal events as requested.
· Participate in project upgrades related to the racing surface.
· Other duties as relevant and assigned.
Minimum Skills and Qualifications:
· Strong working knowledge of drag racing surface preparation, maintenance, traction compound application, and cleanup procedures.
· Experience working in race operations, track preparation, facility operations, safety operations, or a closely related motorsports environment.
· Ability to identify racing surface, equipment, facility, and safety-related concerns and recommend practical corrective actions.
· Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and document event conditions, preparation methods, and cleanup activities.
· Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse stakeholders.
· Ability to work independently, make sound operational decisions under time-sensitive conditions, and remain focused in a fast-paced event environment.
· Willingness to continue researching and implementing improved processes, products, and equipment related to racing surface preparation and cleanup.
· Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and environmental conditions.
· Able to stand, walk, bend, and move around racing surfaces and facility areas for extended periods of time.
· Ability to work around racing vehicles, track preparation equipment, cleaning equipment, traction compounds, absorbents, and other event-related materials.
· Requires a flexible schedule which includes working non-traditional hours, including weekends and some holidays as required. Availability to travel to NHRA National Events, member tracks, offsite testing locations, Division meetings, PRI, and other assigned events or presentations.
· Strong working knowledge of drag racing surface preparation, maintenance, traction compound application, and cleanup procedures.
· Experience working in race operations, track preparation, facility operations, safety operations, or a closely related motorsports environment.
· Ability to identify racing surface, equipment, facility, and safety-related concerns and recommend practical corrective actions.
· Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and document event conditions, preparation methods, and cleanup activities.
· Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse stakeholders.
· Ability to work independently, make sound operational decisions under time-sensitive conditions, and remain focused in a fast-paced event environment.
· Willingness to continue researching and implementing improved processes, products, and equipment related to racing surface preparation and cleanup.
· Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and environmental conditions.
· Able to stand, walk, bend, and move around racing surfaces and facility areas for extended periods of time.
· Ability to work around racing vehicles, track preparation equipment, cleaning equipment, traction compounds, absorbents, and other event-related materials.
· Requires a flexible schedule which includes working non-traditional hours, including weekends and some holidays as required. Availability to travel to NHRA National Events, member tracks, offsite testing locations, Division meetings, PRI, and other assigned events or presentations.
Equal Opportunity Statement
NHRA is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, veteran/military status, or any other protected class under federal/state law, offering reasonable accommodations.
I acknowledge that all information I have provided in conjunction with this employment application is true, accurate, and complete. I understand that any false statement, omission, or misrepresentation provided by me can lead to the rejection and elimination of my employment consideration, rescission of a job offer, or termination of employment if hired. I understand that this application is not an offer of employment and that, if hired, my employment is at-will, meaning either the company or I can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause, subject to applicable law.
Job Questions:
Do you have a strong working knowledge of drag racing surface preparation, maintenance, traction compound application, and cleanup procedures?
Do you have experience working in race operations, track preparation, facility operations, safety operations, or in a closely related motorsports environment?
Are you able to travel extensively as required, including working extended hours, weekends, and some holidays as necessary?