NHRA News: Covarrubias named vice president sales and business development (9/14/2004)

Covarrubias named vice president sales and business development for NHRA

9/14/2004

John Covarrubias

John Covarrubias, an experienced sales executive in a variety of sports arenas, has been named vice president of sales and business development for the NHRA, it was announced by officials of the world's largest motorsports organization. Covarrubias will begin his duties immediately.

"I am pleased to announce this great addition to the NHRA executive team and am confident that John's extensive corporate sales background and proven track record in sports marketing and sales will enhance and strengthen our momentum as we continue to build NHRA Drag Racing into one of the nation's top sports properties," said Gary Darcy, vice president of marketing and sales for NHRA. "His experience and relationships in a variety of traditional sports marketing and sales arenas will help NHRA continue to expand to non-traditional and mainstream sponsorship opportunities, while continuing to develop and service our important traditional clients."

In his new position, Covarrubias will oversee all NHRA sales and corporate sponsorship programs to meet the ever-expanding needs of the sport, which was recently ranked as the sports property with the greatest value for prospective sponsors by Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal. He will play an instrumental role in building the current sponsor base for NHRA and assisting NHRA race teams in identifying sponsorship opportunities.

Covarrubias most recently served as vice president of corporate sales for Pro Sports & Entertainment, a Santa Barbara, Calif., operator and marketer of live sporting events. Prior to his stint with PSEI, Covarrubias spent eight years managing the corporate sales and servicing departments for Anaheim Sports Inc., and served in various sales capacities with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Anaheim Angels. In other positions, Covarrubias worked as director of corporate sales for the San Diego Chargers, corporate account manager for the Los Angeles Kings, and served as an account executive with Disney Sports Enterprises.

"I am excited about the challenges and opportunities at NHRA," Covarrubias said. "There are many similarities between my former employers and NHRA in terms of the need for an effective sales and sponsorship program to provide a solid foundation for the organization. I also look forward to servicing the existing sponsorship base and making sure we continue to exceed expectations on all current programs."

Covarrubias holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications with an emphasis in sales and marketing from Menlo College in Atherton, Calif. He and his wife Shawn reside in Laguna Hills with their 5-year-old son Cade and 3-year-old twin daughters, Chase and Carsyn.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.

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