In the past, sports such as golf, darts and polo were labeled as ‘white people sport’ but with time many have come to the realization that sports do not and should not discriminate. So long as an individual has an interest in it, regardless of their ethnic background or race, they should go for it. Erik Moses has made history as the first Black person to be named president at a NASCAR track.
In recent times, there have been heightened conversations about race in NASCAR and naming a black person as president of a NASCAR track has spurred further conversations about flying confederate flags at official events.
Drivers and fans have spoken against the act and it is even more critical as the world today is fighting to end institutional racism.
Moses is the new president of Nashville Superspeedway, a position which has been a long time coming for the former founding president of DC Defenders for the XFL team. In a statement by Dover Motorsports, the announcement was made with Moses saying he was thrilled to be a part of the team.
“I am excited to join the team at Dover Motorsports to lead the reopening of the Nashville Superspeedway and bring the excitement of Cup Series racing to Middle Tennessee,” Moses said.
“I have long admired NASCAR for its commitment to the fan experience and am thrilled to have the opportunity to create the optimal race day experience that NASCAR fans deserve in a market that has such a rich history with the sport.”
According to the Tennessean, the Nashville Superspeedway started operations in 2001 but functions mainly as the grounds for NASCAR races since 2011, until its limited seating capacity prevented it from having a larger, higher-profile NASCAR race.
Nonetheless, the place has largely closed to NASCAR races and in July, it was announced that the speedway would reopen in 2021 for its first NASCAR Cup Series, CNN reported.
Moses is a seasoned venue management leader and veteran sports executive so when he speaks highly of Nashville’s potential as one of the hottest places in the country, many are inclined to take his word for it.
“Nashville is one of the hottest markets for sports, entertainment, and live events in the entire country and I look forward to working with local stakeholders and partners to leverage that momentum to establish the Superspeedway as a premier live events venue serving the greater Nashville region.”
He brings to this role his expertise from working as the CEO of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission. While serving his term as the CEO, he liaised with both local and national sports teams to organize live events in Washington DC. Moses was also the director of D.C. Department of Small & Local Business Development.
Mike Tatoian, executive vice president and COO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. said, “We are very excited and fortunate to hire an outstanding leader and executive such as Erik, who has tremendous experience in all areas of sports, events, and live entertainment.”
“Erik’s addition to our company and the outstanding reputation he has in the industry punctuates our commitment to revitalizing Nashville Superspeedway and serving the Middle Tennessee community.”
Speaking of reputation, in his tenure as president of the XFL team, Moses’ DC defenders were ranked among the best in the league’s ticket sales, social media engagement and game day experience, the statement reiterated.
They were also tied for first place in their division until the coronavirus pandemic halted activities and the league was canceled.
