PGTS: Panoz Motor Sports Group staff promotions

BRASELTON, Ga. (February 12, 2003) -- The Panoz Motor Sports Group has promoted two of its senior executives and has created and filled two new staff positions in its Braselton, Ga., headquarters.

The Panoz Motor Sports Group is a holding company for the various motorsports interests of Don Panoz. Included are the American Le Mans Series, the Panoz Racing Series, the Panoz Racing School, Mosport International Raceway, Road Atlanta Motorsports Center and Sebring International Raceway.

Scott Atherton, who has been President and COO of the Panoz Motor Sports Group since August of 2000, has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer. In addition, he has been named President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series.

Atherton was previously the President and General Manager of California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., and held similar positions with Nazareth Speedway and Laguna Seca Raceway. He started his motorsports career in marketing with Domino's Pizza.

John Evenson, who has been Vice-President of Broadcast Administration for the Panoz Motor Sports Group since November of 2001, has been promoted to Vice-President of Communications/Television. Evenson will continue to be responsible for all aspects of television for the American Le Mans Series, as well as the American Le Mans Series Radio Web. His expanded duties include oversight of all communications functions, as well as promotions and creative services.

Evenson's sports industry career includes Vice-President positions with Turner Sports and the PGA Tour, as well as communications and television work with CART. He also worked in communications for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Filling the two newly-created positions are Paul Ryan, Director of Creative Services for the Panoz Motor Sports Group, and Annamae Meigher, Director of Merchandise Operations.

Ryan heads a new marketing services team which will oversee the Panoz Motor Sports Group's marketing image and branding initiatives -- including websites, graphic design, sales proposals, corporate branding and advertising, with special emphasis on the American Le Mans Series. In addition, his team will work in conjunction with series PR and promotional staff on creative strategies to maximize exposure for the championship.

A former racer, announcer, journalist and motorsports PR and marketing consultant in his native country, Australia, Ryan moved to the U.S. last year and spent 2002 as the media representative for the Panoz Motor Sports racing team.

Meigher's merchandising responsibilities include American Le Mans Series merchandise operations, as well as other Panoz Motor Sports Group holdings including permanent facilities at Road Atlanta and Sebring.

Meigher has extensive experience in custom retail buying, retail management, and an extensive background in special events merchandising. She worked under contract with Panoz Motor Sports Group for the past two years to dramatically increase the sales revenue, quality, and presentation of event merchandise and branded merchandise at the American Le Mans Series events. Meigher and her husband, Terry, reside in Marietta, GA.

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