Breaking: Legacy Motor Club announced a key strategic appointment of Reid Atherton as Vice President of…
Legacy Motor Club recently announced a key strategic hire, appointing Reid Atherton as Vice President of Business Operations. This decision marks an important milestone in the team’s growth, as it strengthens its leadership lineup with a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of experience in motorsports.
Atherton, a Gainesville, Georgia native, will play a pivotal role in overseeing the club’s commercial and marketing efforts, providing much-needed expertise to guide Legacy Motor Club through its ambitious expansion plans.
Atherton’s motorsports career is impressive, spanning various roles across sanctioning bodies, racing teams, manufacturers, and major tracks.
His career began with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), where he honed his skills in partnership marketing, overseeing more than 20 partners. His work at IMSA helped him build a solid foundation in the business operations of motorsport, but his career truly blossomed when he moved to McLaren Racing.
At McLaren, Atherton held a number of key positions, eventually taking on responsibility for the Arrow McLaren IndyCar commercial team. His portfolio there included partner management, brand strategy, marketing operations, and hospitality, demonstrating his multifaceted capabilities in business and marketing leadership.
Most recently, Atherton served as Vice President of Motorsports at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), where he oversaw track operations, sanctioning agreements, and business development. He was instrumental in driving record-breaking revenues and optimizing the performance of multiple operational teams.
In his new role at Legacy Motor Club, Atherton will join the executive leadership team under CEO Cal Wells, III, where he will focus on aligning the team’s commercial and marketing strategies with its broader vision.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Legacy Motor Club as it seeks to build on its growing reputation within NASCAR and the broader motorsports world. According to Wells, Atherton’s deep understanding of the industry and lifelong exposure to the world of racing—thanks in part to his father’s notable contributions—made him an ideal candidate for this position. “Reid’s intimate knowledge and broad understanding of motorsport impressed myself and the leadership team,” Wells said, emphasizing Atherton’s value in helping Legacy Motor Club achieve its goal of becoming one of the top motorsports organizations globally.
Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, echoed these sentiments, expressing excitement about the positive impact Atherton will have on the team. “As we continue to evolve and develop our brand and service to partners, Reid’s passion, dedication, and unique career experiences will immediately strengthen Legacy Motor Club,” Johnson noted. Johnson’s optimism for Atherton’s ability to drive the business forward is shared by many within the organization.
His varied background, particularly his roles in overseeing commercial operations and managing major partnerships, is expected to bring fresh energy to Legacy Motor Club’s operations.
Atherton himself expressed his enthusiasm for joining the club, saying, “I am honored to join the team at Legacy Motor Club and support the vision Maury, Jimmie, and Cal have established.
With the continued industry momentum and strong foundation of passionate people, partners, and fans, I could not be more optimistic for the future and eager to get started”.
His appointment is seen as a crucial step in helping the team navigate its future growth while continuing to cement its reputation in the NASCAR Cup Series.
This strategic hire arrives at an important moment for Legacy Motor Club as the team prepares for the upcoming race at Watkins Glen, scheduled for September 15.
The hiring of Atherton signals the team’s commitment to long-term success, positioning itself not just as a formidable competitor on the track but as a business force off of it as well. As Atherton takes on his new responsibilities, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how his leadership will impact the club’s commercial and marketing strategies moving forward.
In conclusion, Reid Atherton’s extensive background in motorsports, coupled with his track record of success in business operations, makes him a valuable addition to the Legacy Motor Club team. His leadership is expected to help the organization achieve its ambitious goals and strengthen its position as a leading player in the world of motorsports.
