Stellantis has put a key piece in place as the company strengthens its position in motorsports. The company has named Kevin Kidd the North American Motorsports Competition Director.
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According to a Thursday press release, Kidd will lead the motorsports activities in NHRA, as well as in the Craftsman Truck Series as Ram returns to NASCAR to partner with Kaulig Racing. He will work closely with Kaulig Racing, as well as Tony Stewart Racing and Direct Connection Engineering.
Kidd will report directly to Tom Sacoman, Senior Vice President of SRT Performance Division Operations.
"The intersection of engineering and competition has always been my passion," said Kidd in a press release. "Stellantis' innovative approach to motorsports, especially in partnership with Kaulig Racing, presents a unique opportunity to push boundaries.
"I'm looking forward to contributing fresh ideas to help drive these efforts forward."
Kidd, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, has decades of motorsports experience in multiple roles. This includes several years on the NASCAR Competition Advisory Committee. He also served as a race engineer.
As a crew chief, Kidd worked across the Xfinity and Cup Series while guiding multiple teams. He worked with Elliott Sadler during a Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and he worked with more than a dozen drivers across seven Xfinity Series seasons.
Kidd's time in the secondary NASCAR series includes celebrating four wins with Joe Gibbs Racing. Denny Hamlin won at Darlington Raceway in 2010 while Joey Logano won at Kentucky Speedway and Kansas Speedway that same season.
Matt Kenseth delivered the fourth win at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2014.
"Our unconventional approach to competition demands a leader who can think differently, and Kevin is exactly that," said Sacoman in a statement.
"His reputation in racing, combined with the capabilities of our teams, will help deliver on our 'Last Tenth' performance philosophy."
