Former track publicist Dick Thompson passes away at 74
Dick Thompson, a pioneer of NASCAR public relations, died Wednesday. He was 74.
Thompson was the first public relations director at Martinsville Speedway and was only the second full-time public relations representative in NASCAR.
“Dick was more than a long-time employee of Martinsville Speedway. He was part of the family,” Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said in a news release. “I have fond memories and valuable lessons learned I can attribute to him. We will miss him and we send our thoughts and prayers to his family.”
H. Clay Earles, Campbell’s grandfather and founder of Martinsville Speedway, hired Thompson in 1966. Prior to then he had been a racing reporter for the Roanoke Times.
He retired from Martinsville Speedway in January 2005 after nearly 40 years of service.
“Dick Thompson was one of the pioneers in track public relations. Obviously Dick took on many roles throughout his career at Martinsville Speedway,” Campbell said. “He was instrumental in the first race sponsorship the speedway acquired and many more beyond that. Due to his efforts here at the track and the respect he had among those in the sport, the press box here is named in his honor.”
Funeral arrangements and online condolences may be found at www.norrisfuneral.com.
