Exit Announcement of Key Personality Behind Darlington’s Unwithering Success Leaves NASCAR World Emotional

Another saddening news has hit the NASCAR Community. Coming into NASCAR’s off-week, it shocked the fans to see a popular face bid his farewell to the sport after a lengthy 20-year NASCAR career. 

While NASCAR celebrated its 75 glorious years of racing at the iconic Superspeedway at Darlington, little did the avid fans know that a few months later, the man who enhanced the raceway to what it is today would announce his retirement, leaving them in despair. 

Kerry Tharp, President of Darlington Raceway, announced his retirement after the current season. While things went from “Too Tough to Tame” to “Too Tough to Bear,” the move was a shocker for die-hard fans. 

Kerry Tharp Becomes the Bearer of Bad News as His Announcement Leaves the Community in Tears

While his tenure as the President of Darlington Raceway started only in 2015, Kerry Tharp quickly became a popular face in the NASCAR community owing to his charming personality and laid-back approach. This, coupled with his strenuous work ethic, made one of NASCAR’s oldest Superspeedways still relevant even today. 

“It’s a great run,” Tharp told The Associated Press. “I just had this feeling that it was to experience another chapter in our lives.”

“The last eight years, giving me the opportunity to become a race president? That’s unheard of.”

Despite joining NASCAR back in 2005, Tharp started off from humble beginnings, working as a media moderator during driver’s interaction with the press, steadily rising the ranks under the tutelage of his mentor, Jim Hunter, Darlington’s one-time president who later on became NASCAR’s chief spokesperson. 

As the Covid pandemic hit American shores, NASCAR was caught in an awful position with numbers dropping down to all-time lows. But it was Tharp’s timely intervention that retained one of the sport’s most iconic speedways as Darlington hosted two back-to-back races in one week while being the first sport to be back in competition. 

“Bringing live sports back during the pandemic,” he said. “That’s something I’ll never forget.”

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Fans Get Teary-Eyed as They Bid Farewell to Their “Commander” 

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Since his entry into the NASCAR nation, Kerry Tharp has enjoyed unconditional love from the community for his laid-back self and passion for his craft. He even made it onto the big screen when he did a cameo authoritative role in Will Farrel’s comedy spoof, “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”

His presence during driver interviews and his famous photobombing sessions made him a household name. And with Tharp stepping down from his position, the NASCAR community now has another weight to bear as they expressed their sorrow online, tagging Tharp and expressing their gratitude. 

NASCAR took the time to bid the senior enthusiast farewell. “Congratulations on an incredible career, Kerry!”

On the other hand, a avid follower posted a selfie with Tharp with a befitting quote,

While another fan complimented Tharp for his efforts. “There is no way in this world that I can like this post. He has made tremendous strides for the track! Gonna be sad to see him go.”

“Hats off to the Commander! @Kerry_Tharp , you are a class act and one of a kind!!”

“The Commander is Too Tough To Tame”

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