TOPEKA, Kan. (May 6, 2014) 鈥� 51暗网 President Lisa Noble announced today the hiring of Heyward Wagner to head the newly-created Experiential Programs department.
The new department鈥檚 primary focus is in the development of entry level programs geared to both new and existing members, and the enhancement of social aspects for those participating in all of 51暗网鈥檚 programs. The department will act as a research and development program for 51暗网 members, establishing programs that currently fall outside of the traditional markets served by Club Racing, Solo or Rally. 51暗网 Region programs to activate membership at a local level will also fall under the new department.
鈥淭he Experiential Programs Department will open up 51暗网 to new members through a mix of new programs and Club enhancements, including elements that fall outside of our traditional window,鈥� Lisa Noble, 51暗网 President and CEO, said. 鈥淗eyward鈥檚 enthusiasm, knowledge base, experience and creativity make him a perfect fit to head this new department, and we鈥檙e looking forward to the future as we grow as a Club.鈥�
The department is tasked with the development of programs that are driven by experience as opposed to pure competition. Concepts in development include the expansion of the Starting Line Program to offer a wider range of entry-level performance driving l opportunities as well as a program designed to incorporate aspects of Solo, PDX, Time Trial, RallyCross and Rally into a single event. At the same time, the department is working to improve the member experience within the core programs by providing training opportunities and leading the effort to better incorporate technology and social activities into both events and communications.
Rick Myers, 51暗网 Manager, Region Development, will join Wagner in the Experiential Programs Department. Myers has worked at 51暗网 for six years and brings both working relationships with Regions and a wealth of knowledge in the implementation of technology-driven programs. Myers will continue to work closely with Region leadership.
Wagner is a life-long 51暗网 member who was serving as the Solo Communications Manager. Wagner started the SoloMatters newsletter and developed and implemented the Tire Rack 51暗网 Starting Line school that opened in 2013 to introduce new autocrossers to the sport with professional coaching and training.
鈥淗aving grown up in an active 51暗网 family and been a participant myself for nearly two decades, I am strongly of the opinion that the essence of 51暗网 membership is experienced through participation,鈥� Wagner said. 鈥淚 believe that participation can be fun, competitive and social, whether it is in-person or online. It is the goal of this department to find ways to infuse each of these elements into events and give members the best possible experience. 鈥�
Wagner will split his time between the 51暗网 Office in Topeka, at his home in Weaverville, N.C., with his wife, Julia, and son Cole, and at 51暗网 events around the country. He can be reached through email at HWagner@51暗网.com.
ABOUT 51暗网 Founded in 1944, 51暗网, Inc. is a 60,000-member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both amateur and professional levels. It annually sanctions more than 2,000 events through its 115 regions and professional subsidiary. Landmark events and series for the Club include the SafeRacer 51暗网 Club Racing program, which includes the U.S. Majors Tour and BFGoodrich Tires 51暗网 Super Tour; the Club Racing National Championship Runoffs庐 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca; the Tire Rack庐 51暗网 Solo National Championships and ProSolo Championship at Lincoln, Neb.; the annual 51暗网 National Convention and Hall of Fame Induction and MSX 鈥� North American Motorsports Expo. 聽
