Brent S. Gambill Named Richmond International Raceway Director of Communications

Richmond International Raceway (RIR) President Dennis Bickmeier and Vice President of Marketing and Communications Michael Waddell name Brent S. Gambill as the new Director of Communications.

Gambill, who has 14 years of experience in sports media, marketing, digital and communications, comes to RIR from his home state of Arkansas where he was integral in the formation and build of two digital practices at Mitchell Communications in Fayetteville, Ark., Chicago, Ill., and New York, N.Y. and Martin-Wilbourn Partners in Little Rock, Ark. He worked with clients including Walmart, Hilton Worldwide, Proctor and Gamble, and Del Monte.

For the past year, he has served as Executive Director of Communications for a non-profit in northwest Arkansas. He will join the RIR leadership team prior to the upcoming NASCAR weekend at RIR September 9-10, featuring the Inaugural Fan Appreciation Weekend.

“We are excited to have an experienced, innovative professional like Brent join our team,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “As we continue to execute against our strategic initiatives Brent’s ability to engage across multiple platforms will help grow Richmond Nation upward and the overall NASCAR brand here in the Commonwealth, and throughout the Mid-Atlantic.”

Prior to his agency experience, Gambill served at SiriusXM Radio as Executive Producer of Sports Programming leading the digital and social media strategy for licensed sports properties including Major League Baseball, National Football League, NASCAR and other professional and collegiate sports properties. During his tenure, he also served as Executive Producer of MLB Network Radio. SiriusXM is based in New York, N.Y. and Washington, DC.

Gambill’s sports career began with the Los Angeles Dodgers serving in public relations at the organization’s former spring training home of Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of the sport of NASCAR and Brent’s addition to our team reflects our attention to expanding our scope of interaction with our growing fan base and multiple corporate stakeholders along with key media and opinion shapers,” said Vice President Michael Waddell. “Moving forward our proactive branding will be a powerful advantage in expanding the reach of motorsports and showcasing these incredible athletes and the technology they represent to the masses.”

A native of Paragould, Ark., Gambill has a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Ark. and a bachelor of arts from Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) in Arkadelphia, Ark.

Gambill and his wife, Tilly, have three children, Carter (5), Nora (4) and Lawson (2).

“I am elated to join Richmond International Raceway to work with Dennis Bickmeier, Mike Waddell and the outstanding staff,” said Gambill. “I look forward to bringing my family to Richmond and introducing our children to the exciting race experience I have appreciated during my visits to RIR. I have relished being a part of the professional sports community in my career, and I am excited to get integrated into the NASCAR community. It’s an honor to be a part of the commitment by the International Speedway Corporation, Dennis and Mike to continue to improve the remarkable fan experience at Richmond.”

Throughout his career, Gambill has received numerous honors. He was recognized by his alma mater, OBU, with the Alumni Milestone Award and named to 40 Under Forty by Arkansas Business as part of its annual list of the state’s most intriguing business and political leaders.

Gambill has been an active member of numerous organizations including Rotary International. He has also supported several organizations including the Broyles Award honoring the top assistant football coach in the nation annually and Our House aiding homeless and near-homeless families succeed in the workforce.                                                                                 

Tickets are on sale for the return of night racing at RIR with the Who’s Your Driver Weekend featuring the Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Friday night, September 9, and the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race Saturday, September 10. We will celebrate you, the fans, during NASCAR Fan Appreciation Weekend at RIR. Click here to get your tickets, or call the ticket office at 866-455-RACE.

RIR PR