Ty Norris
Encyclopedia
Ty Norris is currently the Executive Vice President of Business Development and General Manager and Michael Waltrip Racing.
Norris started in NASCAR
as a sports writer after studying journalism at Delaware State University. After covering several races for the Delaware State, Norris left journalism for a job as the manager of media relations and event operations with RJ Reynolds in 1990.
Norris caught the attention of Dale Earnhardt as the seven-time champion began building his own organization Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
In 1996, Earnhardt hired Norris to serve as executive vice president of motorsports for DEI. He played an integral role in helping the organization prepare for its entry into NASCAR's top level of competition in 1998. During the next eight years, Norris, Earnhardt and others helped build DEI into a motorsports juggernaut with DEI winning 65 NASCAR races and four championships from 1996 to 2004.
In 2004, successful businessman Bruton Smith
hired Norris to serve as the vice president of special projects for Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
, (SMI). Norris oversaw the special projects associated with Smith's motorsports conglomerate, which features ownership of tracks in Atlanta, Ga., Bristol, Tenn., Charlotte, N.C., Las Vegas, Nev., Fort Worth, Tex., and Sonoma, Calif., as well as several industry-supporting companies including the Performance Racing Radio Network (PRN), The Source International (QVC
's motorsports merchandise partner) and SMI Properties. He is a huge Boston Red Sox
fan.
Norris started in NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
as a sports writer after studying journalism at Delaware State University. After covering several races for the Delaware State, Norris left journalism for a job as the manager of media relations and event operations with RJ Reynolds in 1990.
Norris caught the attention of Dale Earnhardt as the seven-time champion began building his own organization Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. was a NASCAR-related organization located in Mooresville, North Carolina, United States working to continue the legacy of Dale Earnhardt. It was originally formed in 1980 by seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt who died in a crash on the closing lap of the 2001...
In 1996, Earnhardt hired Norris to serve as executive vice president of motorsports for DEI. He played an integral role in helping the organization prepare for its entry into NASCAR's top level of competition in 1998. During the next eight years, Norris, Earnhardt and others helped build DEI into a motorsports juggernaut with DEI winning 65 NASCAR races and four championships from 1996 to 2004.
In 2004, successful businessman Bruton Smith
Bruton Smith
Ollen Bruton Smith is a promoter and owner/CEO of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorsports, Inc. He was ranked #207 on the Forbes 400 list with an estimated worth of $1.5 billion in 2005, and fell to #278 in 2006. He is divorced with four children...
hired Norris to serve as the vice president of special projects for Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
Speedway Motorsports, Inc. or SMI is an American corporation that owns and manages racing facilities that host NASCAR, IZOD IndyCar Series, NHRA, WoO other racing series. The company's headquarters are located at Charlotte Motor Speedway, in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC. SMI owns nine racing...
, (SMI). Norris oversaw the special projects associated with Smith's motorsports conglomerate, which features ownership of tracks in Atlanta, Ga., Bristol, Tenn., Charlotte, N.C., Las Vegas, Nev., Fort Worth, Tex., and Sonoma, Calif., as well as several industry-supporting companies including the Performance Racing Radio Network (PRN), The Source International (QVC
QVC
QVC is a multinational corporation specializing in televised home shopping. Founded in 1986 by Joseph Segel in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, United States, QVC broadcasts in five countries as QVC US, QVC UK, QVC Germany, QVC Japan and – QVC Italy to 200 million households...
's motorsports merchandise partner) and SMI Properties. He is a huge Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
fan.