Stroud Safety, the Oklahoma City-based motorsports safety manufacturer trusted by racers across every major discipline, announced today that John Gentry has been named Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).

Gentry has served as Stroud Safety’s National Sales Manager since February 2019 and has been an integral part of the company’s continued growth and success. In his new role, he will oversee Stroud Safety’s global revenue strategy, including sales, partnerships, and long-term business development, while continuing to strengthen relationships throughout the motorsports community.

“This new role comes with some real responsibility,” Gentry said. “I work closely with racers, teams, and several OEM brands across the sport, and I see this role as a responsibility to serve – not just to sell. That perspective guides how we grow Stroud intentionally into more corners of the sport.”

Gentry remains deeply connected to the sport and recently debuted his twin-turbocharged Chevrolet Camaro Pro Mod, with plans to compete during the 2026 season. His firsthand experience within the motorsports industry has helped him foster new relationships while maintaining the level of care and concern longtime Stroud Safety customers have come to expect.

Stroud Safety owner Tommy Cunningham said Gentry’s promotion reflects both his leadership within the company and the trust he has earned throughout the motorsports industry.

“John has built a strong foundation of trust with racers and teams by consistently putting their needs first and following through on his commitments,” Cunningham said. “That racer-first approach is central to who we are at Stroud Safety. With a lifetime spent around the sport, I understand how important trust is in this industry, and John has earned that trust through integrity, strong relationships, and a deep understanding of our customers. His leadership and experience make him a natural fit for the CRO role as we continue to grow the business.”

Under Gentry’s leadership in sales, Stroud Safety has continued to expand its presence across drag racing and motorsports as a whole, working with teams, series, and sanctioning bodies while reinforcing the company’s reputation as one of the most trusted names in racer safety.

With Gentry stepping into the CRO role, Stroud Safety remains focused on sustainable growth, product excellence, and its mission to protect racers at every level – from grassroots competitors to championship-winning professionals.

For more information about Stroud Safety and its full line of motorsports safety products, visit www.stroudsafety.com.

This story was originally published on January 8, 2026.

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has been named entitlement partner for the upcoming NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race as part of the spring race weekend at Martinsville Speedway.

The NFPA 250 will take place on Saturday, March 28, as part of the tripleheader race weekend at the famed short track.

“Collaborating with an organization like NFPA is more than just any partnership, it’s a shared commitment to the importance of safety in our community and in racing,” said Clay Campbell, President of Martinsville Speedway. “Fire safety has always played a critical role in protecting our fans in the grandstands and our drivers and teams out on the track, and we’re honored to have NFPA there with us to ensure everyone can enjoy all the racing action in the safest environment possible.”

For 130 years, the NFPA has been helping to solve some of the planet’s toughest safety problems. As a self-funded nonprofit, the association strives to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, and passion. Today, NFPA publishes more than 300 codes and standards, spanning every area of fire, life, and electrical safety.

“NASCAR has a long-standing commitment to safety, both on and off the track,” said NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with NFPA’s mission to protect people and property from fire and other hazards. We’re excited to serve as the entitlement sponsor of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series NFPA 250 at Martinsville Speedway, bringing national attention to the importance of fire safety for individuals, families, businesses, and communities.”

The spring NASCAR race weekend at Martinsville Speedway kicks off on Friday, March 27, with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour racing under the lights at Martinsville Speedway. The action continues on Saturday, March 28 with the NFPA 250 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.

The weekend concludes on Sunday, March 29, with the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series competing for the coveted Grandfather Clock trophy in the Cook Out 400.

Fans can purchase tickets to the upcoming race weekend via phone at 877-RACE-TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com.

Martinsville Speedway PR

NITRO Motorsports Park has joined the NHRA Member Track Network in NHRA’s Northwest Division (Division 6). Located in Prince George, B.C., NITRO Motorsports Park adds another Canadian track to NHRA’s Member Track Network, joining Western Canadian tracks in Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Mission.

NITRO Motorsports Park is a club-owned and operated, non-profit society facility, offering a standout facility and serving as Northern British Columbia’s largest motorsports park.

“After careful consideration of what is best for the long-term future of NITRO Motorsports Park and our goal of attracting all racers to our facility, we have made the decision to join the NHRA in its 75th year of operation,” NITRO Motorsports Park President Foji Dhansaw said. “As an organization that has operated continuously for 75 years, the NHRA represents the stability and leadership that both Nitro Motorsports Park and the sport of drag racing require.

“In recent years, NHRA has made significant strides in strengthening its focus on Sportsman racing. From my very first meeting with Glen (Cromwell, NHRA President) and the entire NHRA executive team, it was clear that they are genuinely committed to enhancing and growing sportsman racing across their network. Throughout our decision-making process, we consulted with tracks in Edmonton, Medicine Hat, and Mission. Joining these elite facilities and established programs was a key factor in determining that NHRA affiliation represents the best possible direction for Nitro Motorsports Park.”

By joining the NHRA Member Track Network, NITRO Motorsports Park will be eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA-sanctioned racing opportunities in the future, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street, and more. Additionally, the track will have the chance to host NHRA specialty events like the NHRA Summit King of the Track and more.

NITRO Motorsports Park will also get access to NHRA’s extensive support programs as part of the member track network, insurance benefit,s and national marketing platforms as they excitedly move into a new era for the facility.

“I am beyond thrilled to have Nitro Motorsports Park join our Northwest Division family,” Northwest Division Director Mike Eames said. “Adding another multi-faceted venue for our Canadian racers and fans is huge. I look forward to working with everyone associated with their operation during our 75th anniversary season in 2026 and for many years to come.”
 

DuraMAX has secured its position as the primary entitlement sponsor for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) on March 1, under a multi-year agreement with Speedway Motorsports. This major branding effort will showcase the DuraMAX Grand Prix, marking the sixth consecutive year of NASCAR’s presence in Austin. With a length of 95 laps over 228 miles, the race begins at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on FOX, reaching audiences worldwide. DuraMAX aims to leverage this high-profile event to enhance brand visibility and connect with customers, given its growth within the vehicle maintenance sector since entering NASCAR in 2022.

By the Numbers

• March 1 event marks DuraMAX’s sponsorship of the sixth annual NASCAR race at COTA.
• The race covers a distance of 228 miles and consists of 95 laps.

State of Play

• The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series starts with the Daytona 500 on February 15, followed by a race at EchoPark Speedway on February 22.
• Individual tickets are priced affordably, with $10 tickets for children under 12 at the NCS race.

What’s Next

As NASCAR’s doubleheader weekend approaches, expectations are high for DuraMAX to employ various brand activations throughout the event, further solidifying its market presence. Potential future collaborations with other motorsports could extend from this sponsorship success, enhancing brand growth across different venues.

Bottom Line

DuraMAX’s partnership with NASCAR signals a strategic move to boost its brand recognition in the highly competitive maintenance products market, especially in Texas, while engaging fans and showcasing product performance on a prestigious platform.

The R. H. Kirkpatrick Agricultural Pavilion, also called the R. H. Kirkpatrick Arena, is a county-operated facility on Highway 14 that functions as a hub for weekend and regional events. Located at 2224 HWY 14 WEST, Autaugaville, AL 36003, the pavilion hosts a calendar of frequent weekend activities that include motocross, NBHA barrel racing, dog ability and agility trials, team roping, barrel racing, horse shows and other spectator events. County facility information lists Lee Pittman as arena manager and provides a central contact number for bookings and inquiries: 334-365-5638.

The pavilion’s steady schedule of events positions it as both a recreational center and an economic asset for the county. Regular weekend competitions and shows bring riders, drivers, handlers and their families to Autaugaville, creating foot traffic that supports nearby restaurants, fuel stations and lodging options. For a largely rural county, multi-use venues that accommodate agricultural and equestrian activities help preserve local skills and traditions while generating incidental spending in the local economy.

As a county-operated facility, the arena also plays a role in public programming and community functions. Its availability for bookings makes it a practical staging ground for competitive events and gatherings that may otherwise travel to larger markets. That public ownership brings both opportunities and responsibilities: opportunities to coordinate county calendars, market events to regional audiences and capture rental revenue, and responsibilities for maintenance, scheduling fairness and ensuring the venue meets safety and animal welfare standards for diverse uses from motorsports to dog agility trials.

Longer-term trends suggest these kinds of multi-use rural venues remain important as social infrastructure. Equestrian and agricultural events sustain community networks and youth involvement, while motorsport and spectator events introduce visitors who may not otherwise travel to Autauga County. Strategically promoting the pavilion’s calendar and ensuring clear booking procedures could increase its economic return for the county and widen participation across the community.

Residents and event organizers can contact arena manager Lee Pittman at 334-365-5638 for information on bookings, schedules and facility use. The pavilion’s address and regular weekend programming make it a readily accessible site for competitions, community gatherings and county-supported agricultural events.