Vivian, Louisiana. (Sept. 25, 2022) — Well known and respected auto racing promoter Kevin Rogers has taken on a new challenge for 2023, accepting the position of General Manager at the famed Ark-La-Tex Speedway in Vivian, Louisiana.
Rogers, 44, of Rockwall, Texas, has been involved in racing for decades in a number of promotional roles, most recently as co-promoter of Rocket Raceway Park in Petty, Texas, with partner Kevin Sustaire. Rogers will no longer be part of the team at Rocket, yet it was an amicable parting for both.
“I was a little caught off guard when track owner Donnie Powers first called me,” Rogers explained. “My first response was; No thank you, I'm going to stay where I'm at. Yet it was really too good of a deal not to look at a little closer. So I sat down with Kevin, and we discussed our options.
“I think we are going to be able to do some pretty cool stuff working together, actually. It's kind of a blessing in disguise; this gives us an opportunity to do some two-day shows together. I won't be at all of the weekly shows at Rocket next year, but when we're not racing at Ark-La-Tex, I'll still be there.”
Rogers will also benefit from the skills of a local racer/promoter at Ark-La-Tex as he digs into 2023.
“I'm really looking forward to working with Ralo Pilkington,” Rogers added. “Ralo is staying on to continue the excellent track prep for us there. His knowledge and talents will be of great value to our success next year. The quality of the surface at Ark-La-Tex is what makes the racing so exciting.”
For Sustaire, continuing to build the brand at Rocket will be the goal for 2023. The winning formula is in place; he and Rogers were named 2022 Texas Short Track Co-Promoters-of-the-Year by the Revved Up Sports Show and RaceOnTexas. Sustaire was always the driving force behind the scenes at Rocket.
“At first, I was a little bit sad just because KR and I have been doing this together since 2015,” he explained candidly. “We when got into this deal, we said we'd only stay involved if both of us were in it together. But I'm extremely happy for him now, he's worked hard and truly deserves this opportunity.
“I have fond memories of Ark-La-Tex; I won the first track championship there when Gene Boyter ran the place. I'll admit, Kevin will be missed on the weekly side, but we have a good system at Rocket and will continue on there next season. Kevin will do great things over there, and I'm very excited for him.”
Ark-La-Tex Speedway is known as 'the home of three-wide' and has produced some incredible racing over the years. Once run by Gene Boyter and most recently managed by Ralo Pilkington, the track has tremendous potential for a promoter like Rogers.
“I know Kevin will do the same thing at Ark-La-Tex as he did at at Rocket Raceway this year and at RPM before that,” Race On Texas co-owner Chris David said. “He has the ability to attract sponsors, give them good value for their money, and entice fans to come check out the races. I'm excited to see what he'll do in Vivian next year. We'll support his efforts with high-quality Live streaming service.”
Race On Texas was founded in 2015 with the goal of providing on-demand video coverage at short tracks around South Texas. Live streaming began in 2016, and by 2020 had grown to new heights. For 2022, the company has over 350 Live shows scheduled, a major increase from the roughly 180 in 2021.
For more information, please go to www.raceontexas.com.
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