INDIANAPOLIS – Veteran sports publicist Tom Surber recently joined the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) as public relations manager.

An Indiana native, Surber will be responsible for media relations and promotions for IMS and its three leading events: the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

“As a native Hoosier, I’ve always had the greatest respect for the history, tradition and majesty of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and what it means to sports fans around the world,” Surber said. “Having the opportunity to work for IMS is a tremendous honor, and I look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Surber comes to IMS after working as media information manager at USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for track & field, long distance running and race walking, where he’s worked since 1987. He assisted local, regional and international media with coverage of competitions worldwide, including the IAAF World Championships, and has worked with U.S. Olympic greats such as Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

During his tenure at USATF, Surber also assisted with game-day operations for the Indianapolis Colts and was statistician for NBC’s television coverage of Notre Dame home football games.

Surber also served as media/public relations manager for the Indianapolis Checkers hockey team from 1985 to 1987 and worked during the early 1980s on the sports staff at WPFR-FM and WTWO television in Terre Haute, Ind.

“I’m excited to welcome Tom to our talented, dedicated staff of professionals,” said Mark Dill, IMS vice president of marketing and public relations. “Tom’s vast experience in sports public relations will strengthen existing relationships with worldwide media and find new avenues to promote IMS and its extraordinary events.”

Surber received a bachelor’s degree in journalism, with a minor in broadcasting, in 1980 from Indiana State University in Terre Haute.