He returned to drag racing as the head of sales at Texas Motorplex and later on was the facility’s general manager. He created the “Stampede of Speed” event at the Ennis, Texas track and produced the largest funny car race in history along with Funny Car Chaos owner Chris Graves. Later, he was part of the Live Events company that promoted the “Street Outlaws, No Prep” shows, and last two years, has worked to promote the brand heavily in Australia.
Carter, 57, grew up in West Texas. He brings over three decades of experience, along with a reputation as an innovator of putting on new events and bringing new ideas to the table. It’s something he promises to do with the IHRA. He has a close relationship with IHRA Owner and CEO Larry Jeffers and is a welcome addition to the team.
“We’re going to bring on some new partnerships and work hard to bring more exciting events as we grow,” Carter said. “I’ve been friends with Larry as long as I can remember being in drag racing. After watching what the IHRA was able to do his first year as owner, it got me really excited.”
Carter has been reaching out to different race tracks seeing what needs they have and how the IHRA can help them. He cares about drag racing as a whole and is doing his best to continue to build the sport.
“My biggest role is how can we help all these race tracks stay open,” he said. “Too many tracks around the country, the big major ones and smaller tracks, have closed down. One of the big things I do as part of my job is be available as a consultant to these tracks. It’s not an extra charge, it’s part of being an IHRA member track.”
There is an open line of communication with Carter, Jeffers, IHRA President Mel Roth and other IHRA officials. Tracks might be considering hosting a certain event, asking for help with attracting sponsorships or they just want to bounce ideas off someone. Carter promises to be there for them whatever the case.
He sees the IHRA building momentum for the future, both short term and more importantly long term.
“With any organization like this, you’re going to have some growing pains,” Carter said. “You’re battling some outside forces, but we will overcome. We’re going to be bringing some new stuff and some exciting events to tracks. I can’t wait to work with some of these tracks. The IHRA tracks love the direction the organization is going and it’s been really positive.”
Carter invites everyone to meet him and other IHRA officials face-to-face at the upcoming PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis. They will be in TOPS Workroom 131 West on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 4-5 p.m. and the rest of the show at IHRA Booth No. 5067. He hopes to see you there.
