Wednesday
NASCAR Public Relations Pioneer Dick Thompson Passes Away
Press ReleaseDick Thompson, a pioneer of NASCAR public relations, died Wednesday morning. He was 74.
Thompson was the first public relations director at Martinsville Speedway and was only the second full-time public relations representative in NASCAR.
“Dick was more than a long-time employee of Martinsville Speedway. He was part of the family,” said Martinsville Speedway President W. Clay Campbell. “I have fond memories and valuable lessons learned I can attribute to him. We will miss him and we send our thoughts and prayers to his family.”
H. Clay Earles, Campbell’s grandfather and founder of Martinsville Speedway, hired Thompson in 1966. Prior to then he had been a racing reporter for the Roanoke Times.
He immediately set to work to put Martinsville on the racing map and quickly did so, using every strategy and gimmick possible to draw attention to Martinsville Speedway. He was extremely successful, helping Earles guide the half-mile track into the new era of NASCAR racing.
He retired from Martinsville Speedway in January 2005 after nearly 40 years of service.
“Dick Thompson was one of the pioneers in track public relations. Obviously Dick took on many roles throughout his career at Martinsville Speedway,” said Campbell. “He was instrumental in the first race sponsorship the speedway acquired and many more beyond that. Due to his efforts here and the track and the respect he had among those in the sport, the press box here is named in his honor.”
Norris Funeral Home in Martinsville is in charge of arrangements.
Dick Thompson Funeral Arrangements
The funeral service for Dick Thompson will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2009 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Martinsville, VA, with Pastor Kathy Gochenour officiating.
Burial will be at Roselawn Burial Park in Martinsville. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening at Norris Funeral Services, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and other times at the home.
Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
- Martinsville Speedway Press Release
Article Tags: Dick Thompson, H. Clay Earles, Kathy Gochenour, Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR, Norris Funeral Services, Roselawn Burial Park, W. Clay Campbell, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
