Zuidema Promoted-Tapley Joins Thompson Team
THOMPSON, CT — Two major personnel changes were announced today by Thompson Speedway General Manager, Josh Vanada. Both appointments are effective immediately.
The first announced by Vanada is the promotion of Race Director, Jeff Zuidema, to the position of Director of Competition. This post had been held by Vanada but was recently vacated when he was named the track’s General Manager. Zuidema, a four-time Thompson champion and winner of some 52 races at the track, will have the responsibility of oversight of on-track competition and the inspection process.
“Jeff did a terrific job for us in 2013 and I know that I am not alone when I say that I really enjoyed working with him. He brings great balance to our officiating staff and has proven to be a great leader for our officials and race teams. I feel that the title of Director of Competition is a more apt description for Jeff’s position since he will oversee and be responsible for the entirety of competition both on the track and in the inspection area,” Said Vanada.
The second personnel announcement from Vanada concerned a replacement for the position previously held by Zuidema. “I am pleased to announce that Scott Tapley will join our team and will fill the position of Race Director,” said the GM. Tapley, a UNOH graduate, served as a spotter for the 2008 NASCAR K & N Pro Series East Champion, Matt Kobyluck. He served as Assistant Race Director at the Waterford Speedbowl from 2009 to 2010 and Race Director at the Speedbowl for 2011 and 2012. He then joined the Valenti Modified Racing Series and has just completed his first year as Series Director.
“Scott brings a varied experience to Thompson. He spotted for a NASCAR Touring Series Champion, worked on race cars and for the last several years has been a well-respected race official in southern New England. He has proven to be highly consistent and fair, which are qualities on which we place a premium here at Thompson. I think he will be a great fit and we are fortunate to have him as part of our all-star team,” Vanada concluded.
Zuidema, in commenting on the Tapley appointment said: “I want to thank the Hoenig family for giving us the ability to hire such a high-quality individual. As I have learned this year, it is just as important to have a great team of officials as it was for me to have a great race team during my years as a driver. In Scott Tapley, I believe that Thompson Speedway has hired a very valuable member for our officiating team.”
Tapley stated that he was excited for the opportunity and excited to be part of the historic Thompson Speedway. “I look forward to working with Josh, Jeff and the entire Speedway staff and having a great 2014 season. I will continue my responsibilities with the Valenti Modified Racing Series and look forward to performing to the very best of my ability in both positions,” Tapley concluded.
Sources: Thompson Speedway PR