Like any business, NASCAR is an ever evolving entity with new positions and new personnel.

NASCAR has recently created the position of Competition Strategist withing the NASCAR Competition team.  Scott Miller will be taking the position.

After spending some 40 years in motorsports, many of them as a driver, Elton Sawyer will replace Miller as the Senior Vice President of Competition where he will be in charge of all aspects of on-track competition, inspection, rule development and officiating.

NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell spoke on Sawyer saying, “Elton Sawyer has shown incredible versatility throughout his four-plus decades in motorsports.  Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. He will excel in this role, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow the Competition team during this crucial era in our sport’s history.”

He continued, “we are thrilled that Scott Miller has chosen to remain a key part of the NASCAR Competition team. When he joined NASCAR in 2016, Scott lent immediate credibility to the position. A trusted voice in the garage, Scott used his decades of experience to lead our Competition team to new heights during a time that saw a new race format, a new playoff format and a new race car. The mark he leaves on the organization is significant.

Elton Sawyer spoke on his time with NASCAR and his new position saying, “I have been a proud member of this extraordinary team for eight years, and I look forward to continuing to help grow the outstanding competition we’ve seen over the last several seasons.  NASCAR racing has been my life for decades. I have a deep passion for the sport, and am honored to be in a position to help shepherd the Competition team during these exciting times.”

Scott Miller spoke on his stepping away from on field operations saying, “after more than 40 years around race cars week after week, it’s time to step back and look at the next chapter of my life in motorsports.  I’m thankful to the France Family and everyone at NASCAR for the opportunity they gave me seven years ago, and I appreciate the chance to stay in the fold to help however and wherever I can. We have a strong team at NASCAR, and I’m excited to remain a part of it.”

Sawyer and Miller are not the only changes in the upper realm of NASCAR:
John Probst has been promoted to Chief Racing Development Officer

Dr. Eric Jacuzzi has been promoted to Vice President of Vehicle Performance

Dr. John Patalak has been promoted to Vice President of Safety Engineering

Brandon Thomas has been promoted to Vice President of Vehicle Design

O’Donnell also spoke on the new promotions saying, “John Probst’s leadership and tireless devotion in the development of the Next Gen car over the last three years has been extraordinary. This project was among the most challenging and important endeavors in NASCAR history, and leaders like Probst, Dr. Eric Jacuzzi, Dr. John Patalak, Brandon Thomas and many others worked incredibly hard to not only put this car on the race track, but to make it a success for our industry and our fans.”

After retiring as a full time driver, Elton Sawyer joined NASCAR management in 2015 as the managing director for the Truck Series.  Prior to taking on his new duties, Sawyer was the vice president, technical inspection and officiating vice president, technical inspection and officiating.