Evernham Motorsports Announces Promotions

STATESVILLE, N.C. – Evernham Motorsports announced today the promotions of four senior team members who, along with Ray Evernham, team owner and CEO of Evernham Motorsports, comprise the leadership of the organization.

Rick Russell, who has been with Evernham Motorsports since 2000, was promoted to president in addition to his current responsibilities as general manager and chief financial officer. He will oversee all operations of the company in the United States and Evernham’s operations in the United Kingdom. Russell has been instrumental in building Evernham Motorsports’ business operations, including capital development, financial management and facility expansions.

Dr. Eric Warren was promoted to vice president in addition to his current responsibilities as technical director. A member of Evernham Motorsports since 2002, he leads the company’s engineering operations. Under Dr. Warren's leadership, the company has continued to reinvest a growing amount into technology and engineering resources. Dr. Warren has also directed Evernham Motorsports’ development of the Dodge Charger and the Dodge Avenger for NASCAR competition.

Sammy Johns was named vice president in addition to his current responsibilities as competition director. Johns joined Evernham Motorsports as the head of the team’s research and development effort in April 2001, then stepped into the team director role on the No. 19 Dodge later that season. He went on to become the competition director at the end of the 2003 season. Johns will continue to oversee the team’s on-track competition efforts, including crew training and preparation, race strategy, car preparation and team management.

Mark McArdle was promoted to vice president in addition to his responsibilities as managing director of Evernham Engines. As an engine builder, McArdle has enjoyed success in both open-wheel and stock car racing. For Evernham Motorsports, McArdle manages the development of engine design and parts production at Evernham’s facilities in the United States and United Kingdom. He has also driven the team’s move into leasing engines for other NASCAR teams.

“We have created a dynamic leadership team at Evernham Motorsports and that has been critical to our growth and success," said Ray Evernham, team owner and chief executive officer. “Rick Russell, Dr. Eric Warren, Sammy Johns, and Mark McArdle have been instrumental to our continued improvements in performance on the track and success as a business organization. We’re proud to recognize their efforts on behalf of Evernham Motorsports and look forward to continued success and a long future together."