Dalton, New Hampshire
(February 1, 2018)
Rally veteran Doug
Shepherd has been named President of the American Rally Association (ARA) for
2018. Shepherd will assume his new role as President effective immediately. He
will also take on the duties of the National Series Manager and oversee daily operations
of ARA.
Doug Shepherd is one of
the most experienced and well-regarded Stage Rally professionals in the United
States, both in the car and as an event organizer. Since 1975, Shepherd has
worked as Clerk of the Course at a wide range of both established and newly
created rally events.
Looking forward to
leveraging his forty-three years of experience, Shepherd plans to develop a
practical and strategic road ahead for the future of ARA. Taking input from
both established ARA committees as well as the US rally community, Shepherd
hopes to develop a plan that will create a strong and solid future for the
sport of Stage Rally in North America, both in participation and in financial
presence.
“I'm happy to be working
with ARA and to bring my years of experience to the series,” said Shepherd, “We
have a great opportunity to grow the sport of Stage Rally in the US. USAC's
reach across the broadest spectrum of motorsport helps our ability to benefit
ARA, the events, the competitors, and the sport's followers. I am excited to be
able to use those assets and the input of the community to lead ARA in the best
possible direction.”
Shepherd began his highly
successful racing career in 1973 as a co-driver, winning four United States
Rally Championships and three North American Rally Championships alongside
legendary Rally driver John Buffum. In 1984, Shepherd changed his focus and
began developing production-based front-wheel-drive rally cars with support
from Dodge and Mopar. In addition to driving to eight manufacturer
championships over the years in Rally, Shepherd has also competed at several
World Rally Championship (WRC) events as well as the Pikes Peak International
Hillclimb, where he has claimed two class wins on the mountain.
