International Speedway Corporation (“ISC”) today announced it has named Dennis Bickmeier President of Richmond International Raceway (“RIR”) effective immediately. Bickmeier accepts the role from his most recent position as Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing for Michigan International Speedway (“MIS”). Current RIR President Doug Fritz who has resigned to pursue other career opportunities, will transition out over the next several weeks.
Joining MIS in 2007, Bickmeier, 44, was responsible for the oversight of three primary departments — communications, corporate partnership sales, and ticket sales and operations.
His career with ISC initially began in 1999 as the Public Relations Director at Auto Club Speedway, and he was promoted to Senior Director of Communications in 2004, a position he held until 2006. During his time at the Southern California-based speedway, Bickmeier became an adjunct faculty member in the University of San Francisco’s Sports Management Program (2001-06), teaching the Strategic Communications and Sports Public Relations elective.
Bickmeier served as the Manager of Community Relations for Disney-owned Anaheim Sports, Inc., (1997-99) the owners of the Major League Baseball team the Anaheim Angels, now the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the National Hockey League’s Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. He has also served as Information Director for the Big West Conference (1993-97), and started his professional sports administration career with the National Football League’s Los Angeles Rams as the Assistant Director of Public Relations (1989-91) and Assistant Director of Sales and Promotions (1992-93).
The native Ohioan received his bachelor’s degree from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism and his master’s from the Ohio University Sports Administration Program. Bickmeier will transition with his family to the Richmond area over the next few months.
“Dennis is a well-respected sports management executive having spent his career working within motorsports as well as with other professional sport leagues,” stated ISC’s President, John Saunders. “Having spent the past 10 years at two of ISC’s motorsports facilities, he is well prepared to take the helm of Richmond International Raceway. His proven management and leadership skills will facilitate a smooth transition from Michigan to Richmond. We congratulate him on his new position and look forward to his continued success within ISC.”
“I would also like to thank Doug for his many years of service at both ISC and at Richmond. I wish him much success in his future endeavors.”
Commenting on the announcement, Dennis Bickmeier stated, “It has been a privilege and personally rewarding to be a part of Michigan International Speedway for the past three and half years. While I will miss all the wonderful people at Michigan, I am excited to be joining Richmond International Raceway. I am appreciative of this exciting opportunity and look forward to a great future with much enthusiasm.”
RIR PR
