By a show of hands, how many of you read our blogs or Facebook posts on a regular basis?

Those of you who do, probably are familiar with the announcements and info we've given you about ProMedia's (the parent company of NMRA and NMCA drag racing) efforts to establish itself on the Western side of the country, through the inaugural NMRA/NMCA West Coast Shootout held at Fontana, California's Auto Club Dragway in July.

Of course, 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords was on hand for the event, and my full report can be found on our web site or in the pages of our Dec '11 issue.

As I explained in the article, the event in SoCal was a great success. Actually, the Shootout was so successful, ProMedia recently announced its newest race series ("NMCA WEST Coast Street Car Series"), which features 4 top-level events that will be held at dragstrips in California and Arizona.

Of course, expansion like this requires building a team of dedicated, experienced personnel, and today ProMedia announced the appointment of Gene Bergstrom as its General Manager of NMCA WEST, and Huey DeWitt Jr (a hard-core 'Stangbanger like us) as the new NMRA/NMCA Events Coordinator.

Some of you might actually recognize Huey's name, as I've mentioned him in past blogs, and you may have seen the absolutely gorgeous NMRA Hot Street-style race car that he and his brother, Maury, are building with the help of Southern California engine master, Ben Alameda.

Here is the "official" press release about the people in the new posts. Join me in congratulating Gene and Huey. I'm sure they're looking forward to seeing you West Coast racers at the NMCA WEST events in 2012, or somewhere else along the NMRA or NMCA trails!

Santa Ana, CA – ProMedia announced today that Gene Bergstrom will be expanding his role by assuming the duties of General Manager of the NMCA WEST Coast Street Car Series, sponsored by Flowmaster Exhaust Systems. Bergstrom will continue to serve as director of event operations for the NMRA and NMCA but also will now assume the responsibility of leading as well as overseeing ProMedia’s west coast division as general manager effective immediately stated NMCA WEST president, Charlie Harmon. “Gene’s west coast experience as a racer, track operator, NHRA division director and executive will serve him well in his additional capacity,” Harmon said.

Bergstrom spent 21-years as an employee of the NHRA, in a variety of positions including serving as the northwest regional director for a decade, followed by serving as director of field operations for the NHRA. Bergstrom has also managed several racetracks throughout his long career.

"I have spent the majority of my life around race tracks,” Bergstrom said. “I’m excited that me, and my wife Judy, will have an opportunity to be a part of ProMedia’s west coast initiative. We did not truly realize what kind of demand there was on the west coast for our style of events until our NMRA/NMCA Fontana event last July. Our sponsors, racers and fans demanded more events, and I’m happy we are going able to deliver. There will be challenges as there are with any start-up series but I’m confident that we have assembled a team that will lead us to success,” said Bergstrom.

ProMedia’s event division has also added Huey Dewitt Jr. to its staff. Dewitt will serve in the newly created position of NMRA/NMCA events coordinator. Dewitt comes from a rich drag racing background lasting more than 25 years, where he has either driven or crewed on a number of west coast entries. “ProMedia is now producing 18 events annually, the most in company history,” says Harmon. “It was imperative that we bring someone onboard to support our event division and we are so fortunate to have found a true enthusiast such as Huey to join our event team. His knowledge, enthusiasm and intimacy with street car drag racing increase his value to ProMedia especially here on the west coast.”

“It is a dream to have a full time opportunity to do something I really enjoy,” Dewitt said. “I’m really excited about joining ProMedia and helping broaden its scope both on the east and west coasts. I’m anxious to begin with the new year and help raise awareness across the country to the NMCA and NMRA brand,” Dewitt concluded. Huey will report directly to Trey Capps, director of events for ProMedia and will begin his duties on January 3, 2012.