Quarterly, the Greater Tampa Chamber Commerce of hold their “Circle of Influence” event. This breakfast or lunch event brings together “C” level businesspeople throughout the Tampa Bay area and features a high level guest speaker. With the 352 Media Group’s growing commitment to the Tampa area, we decided to sponsor the event which was held on January 25 at Maestro’s Restaurant which is part of the Starz Center (formally the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center).
The guest speaker was Joie Chitwood III, President, Daytona International Speedway. Joie was born and raised in Tampa, received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and received his master’s degree from the University of South Florida. Prior to his current position, Joie was the President of the Chicagoland Speedway and oversaw its construction.
Joie spoke about both the business and logistical challenges of running Daytona’s premier event, the Daytona 500 which is known as the Super Bowl of motor sports, day-to-day operations of the speedway which besides the Daytona 500 hosts weekly motor sports events. Joie also discussed the history of motor sports in Daytona Beach, the history of both NASCAR (which runs the Daytona International Speedway) and the Speedway itself, as well as the recently completed refurbishment of the Speedway. A question and answer session followed Joie’s presentation.
Joie also brought along a very special guest, the Harley J. Earl trophy which given annually to the winner of the Daytona 500. Oh, and yes that’s me with the Trophy!
