Silbermann to succeed Craw as ACCUS president

George Silbermann has been named President of the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS-FIA), an association of American auto racing sanctioning bodies (IMSA, IndyCar, NASCAR, NHRA, SCCA, USAC). In this role, he will focus on issues related to the domestic motorsports industry, while also representing the United States to the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA, comprised of 245 motorsports and mobility clubs in 143 countries, is the global sanctioning body for FIA World Championships such as Formula 1, World Rally, etc.

Silbermann (pictured above) has been in professional auto racing for over 40 years, holding multiple positions including President/CEO of IMSA and, most recently, NASCAR Vice President. Between now and the end of the year, he will serve in a dual role as he transitions from NASCAR to his new ACCUS-FIA position.

Silbermann succeeds Nick Craw (pictured below) as ACCUS President. As part of the transition strategy, Craw will serve as Deputy President, International and continue as part of ACCUS's FIA delegation.

"I am very pleased to welcome George in his appointment as our new ACCUS President," said ACCUS Chairman Roger Werner. "George brings a lifetime of racing industry experience and success to his new role and was accordingly confirmed by a unanimous vote of the ACCUS Board of Directors. I'm confident that George will enjoy much continued success at the helm of our organization.

"At the same time I'd like to acknowledge the immense contribution to ACCUS and our industry made by Nick Craw. The professionalism, financial security and international influence that ACCUS enjoys today are a direct result of Nick's leadership over the last twelve years. He has served us with distinction and will remain a
resource for George as a member of our Board."

In addition to serving as ACCUS-FIA President, Craw has served as President of the FIA Senate since 2009. He began his racing career in Formula Atlantic, turning professional after two years and competing for Fred Opert Racing in the L & M Continental Championship. He also drove for Shierson Racing at the Daytona 24 Hours and the Sebring 12 Hours in a two liter Chevron. Switching to sedans, he brought BMW its first professional championship in IMSA competition. He secured a second championship in 1975, leaving the series with the most wins of any driver.

Nearly twenty years after retiring from professional competition, Craw took up racing touring cars, winning the American Road Race of Champions and the Twenty Four Hours of Nelson’s Ledges twice.

Later, he was selected to be President and CEO of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), a position he held for 17 years. While at SCCA, he was also a member of the ACCUS Board of Directors and was Chairman of its legislative arm, the National Motorsports Council. Craw subsequently ran the national governing body of sailing, US SAILING, for four years before returning to motorsports as President & CEO of ACCUS in 2005.