NASCAR Executive Gary Crotty Appointed as an FIA Judge in a Historical First

Anyone who says NASCAR is fading into oblivion in the global motorsports scene needs to have another look. This is because Gary Crotty, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for NASCAR, has been elected in FIA as a judge.

Crotty will become one of the 36 judges in the apex motorsports governing body. He will serve a four-year term at the FIA.

But the biggest takeaway from Crotty’s appointment is the fact that he becomes the first NASCAR representative or executive to hold such a position at the FIA. A historical moment indeed.

And the man admits it, “it’s a big deal,” he said. “For me, having been in NASCAR for a quarter-century as a lawyer and helping NASCAR with their rules, regulations and appeals as well, it’s going to be fascinating for me to see how the other side of the pond is,” Crotty added.

NASCAR’s CEO Jim France also commented on Crotty’s appointment, calling him “an outstanding choice” for this position.

“Gary has served NASCAR with passion and care for more than two decades, and has a well-deserved reputation as a strong voice for fairness and process. We thank the FIA General Assembly for recognizing Gary, and by extension, NASCAR,” France said.

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“They have chosen the right person for this honor.”

Outgoing NASCAR executive Crotty speaks about judging Abu Dhabi controversy

We all know how the events in the final few laps of the season-deciding Abu Dhabi GP turned out. And recently FIA announced they were ‘officially’ investigating and looking into the controversial event.

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So when Gary Crotty was asked about what if he’s handed this matter straightaway upon his joining, he said, “That’d be a good first day on the job, huh?”

He added, “I’m hoping that I get eased into the situation and no one has something as big as recent things that have come up in the world of FIA racing. … I kind of wiped my brow that that wasn’t right on our plate.”

Looking on to the future, let’s hope Gary Crotty’s appointment opens more doors for NASCAR into FIA. This is a big part for the sport’s recognition at a global level, something the sport undeniably needs.