RFK Racing president Newmark leaving organization

Steve Newmark is departing RFK Racing and will join the UNC athletics department later this season.

Newmark, who has served as RFK Racing president since 2010, will become the executive associate athletic director on August 15. However, he is set to become UNC’s director of athletics next summer.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many amazing people at RFK Racing over the past 15 years,” Newmark said. “It has been a true privilege to learn from – and represent – Jack Roush and John Henry, and the entire Roush and Fenway organizations. And I firmly believe the RFK team is in a great spot and poised for tremendous success both on and off the track in the years ahead.

“Now, it’s time for a new chapter. I am heading back home to Chapel Hill to join one of the most respected and successful programs in college sports. I am thrilled to officially become part of UNC Athletics and look forward to joining Tar Heel Nation as we strive for wins and championships across all sports in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.”

Newmark was the successor of Geoff Smith as president of RFK Racing. He joined the organization in early 2010 initially as the senior vice president of business operations. However, he had served as outside counsel for the organization since the early 2000s after graduating from the College of William and Mary, and University of Virginia School of Law and was involved in the partnership formed between Jack Roush and Fenway Sports Group in 2007.

Before entering the NASCAR industry, Newmark was a shareholder at the law firm of Robinson, Bradshaw and Hinson. In his tenure with the company, Newmark not only represented teams, drivers, and sponsors, but also represented Ray Evernham and related companies in the sale of Evernham Motorsports to George Gillett.

“RFK Racing extends its deepest gratitude to Steve Newmark for his remarkable leadership, vision, and steadfast dedication over the past 15 years,” a team statement said. “Steve has been instrumental in shaping the culture, growth, and success of our organization and his impact will be felt well into the future. While we are saddened to see him step away from his role as president later this summer, we fully support his decision and are grateful he will remain engaged through the transition.

“We wish Steve continued success at the university of North Carolina, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation he’s provided.”