The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today that Kerry Tharp will manage public relations for NASCAR's three national racing series and the weekly and touring series.  In his new role, Tharp will be responsible for all at-track media procedures, public relations for the Research and Development Center and NASCAR media events in Charlotte, N.C.

"Kerry will further reinforce our at-track public relations efforts to ensure that we continue to be responsive to media requests and vigorously promote the sport," said NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter.  "Kerry's ability to develop personal relationships and work with others will be a benefit to all."

Tharp joined NASCAR's PR team in April 2005 as director for NASCAR's licensing office in Charlotte and worked with NASCAR's licensees to provide public relations support and strategy.  He will transfer from his role in NASCAR's Charlotte licensing office to NASCAR's Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. and will report to Ramsey Poston, NASCAR's managing director of corporate communications.

Prior to joining NASCAR, Tharp spent 26 years in college sports public relations, 20 of which he was the Associate Athletics Director/Sports Information Director at the University of South Carolina.  He has a Bachelor's Degree in PR from Western Kentucky University and a Masters Degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee.