VINTON, Iowa – Brett Root will follow in some big footsteps at IMCA.
Root succeeds his mother Kathy as president of the Vinton-based automotive racing sanctioning body. She’d purchased IMCA and sister company CarPac Publications from the family of Keith Knaack in the mid-1990s.
“I realize that I am just the third president of IMCA since the 1970s. It’s good company to be in,” said Root. “I hope everyone understands how important IMCA is to me. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”
Root started working part-time at CarPac on his 14th birthday in 1986.
The University of Northern Iowa graduate joined IMCA full-time as marketing director in July of 1997. He became vice president of operations in 1999, spending as much as 10 months every year traveling to IMCA sanctioned tracks, special events and trade shows around the country.
“My responsibilities have shifted more to day to day operations and race night issues so I have traveled less the last couple years,” Root said. “Hiring Jim Stannard as director of track relations and Dave Brenn as director of division development has allowed us to continue to serve our membership the way we should. We have an excellent staff here that works toward a common goal.”
“I remember when I was younger going to races here in Vinton promoted by Keith and my mother,” he added. “I always wanted to go to the races but never had any idea that it would become my career.”
Kathy Root will continue to be involved with IMCA as chair of the executive committee and on a consulting basis.
“She won’t continue daily responsibilities but Kathy will remain involved with IMCA on a consulting basis,” Root said. “I can’t thank her enough for the opportunity, mentoring and advice she’s given me.”
IMCA will provide rules and procedures and administer point funds for eight divisions of race cars in 2015, its centennial season. More than 8,000 drivers will compete in IMCA sanctioned events at 160-plus tracks in 30 states and Canada.
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