
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, July 19, 1993                   TAG: 9307190006
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

CAMPBELL STEPPING DOWN AT NRVS

Clay Campbell has decided to redefine his role at New River Valley Speedway.

Campbell now will serve as a consultant to the track's new owners, Ronnie Snoddy and John Frazier. He has been the general manager and promoter for the 0.416-mile NASCAR-sanctioned race track in Pulaski County for the past 1 1/2 years.

"It's not so much I'm getting totally out of the picture, I'm just not going to be here every weekend," Campbell said. "The time has come, we're down to about seven or eight races, and it's a good opportunity for the new owners to get their feet wet. I'll still be around if anything comes up. And I'll help out any way I can."

Campbell, who also is president of Martinsville Speedway, said his decision was influenced by the amount of time it takes running two race tracks. He said it had become a year-round, seven-day a week job.

Martinsville holds Winston Cup races in April and September and has racing doubleheaders in March and October. New River Valley Speedway runs weekly from mid-April to early September.

"It's been hard," said Campbell. "Not being at home much has been tough. My wife [Kim] and I haven't spent much time together since our vacation [last August]. This will give me a chance to spend some time with her."

Campbell's involvement with New River Speedway began in December 1991. He was appointed promoter for the 1992 season after creditors took possession of the facility from original owner Steve McMurray as part of bankruptcy proceedings. He agreed to stay on this year until a new owner was found.

The new owners stressed they looked forward to a continued relationship with Campbell and that nothing would change at the track.

"We're still going to be working with Clay," Snoddy said. "Clay and Karen [Sifford, the track's assistant general manager] have done a great job. We definitely want to stay in contact with Clay and keep him involved in the track."

Keywords:
AUTO RACING

by CNB