RACER expands leadership team and launches strategic partnership to drive growth and innovation

RACER Media & Marketing (“RACER”), the most respected motorsports media brand in North America, today announced key leadership appointments and a strategic partnership that will further accelerate the company’s growth and innovation within the motorsports and performance automotive industries.

Joining CEO Paul Pfanner and Editor In Chief Laurence Foster are Scott Shelton as Chief Revenue Officer, Taro Koki as Creator Network President and Bryan Conzone as Chief Technology Officer. Additionally, RACER has formed a joint venture with Mechanical Rabbit, a renowned automotive and branded content video studio led by its President Bobby Akin.

These additions come as RACER embarks on its next phase of expansion, positioning itself to harness emerging opportunities in the digital media landscape.

“We recently completed a successful capital round that was answered by a number of highly respected motorsports professionals to fuel the company’s next era and the pursuit of innovative growth strategies that are largely untapped in our space, and that brands and manufacturers are enthusiastically embracing,” said Pfanner. “You can expect some big things from us soon.”

New Executives

As Chief Revenue Officer, Shelton will lead RACER’s revenue strategies, driving new business development, sales leadership, and strategic planning. With over 20 years of experience at The Walt Disney Company, Shelton is known for securing long-term partnerships and spearheading cross-platform promotions. A former Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development driver, his unique perspective from both the racetrack and boardroom positions him to play a critical role in RACER’s success.

As Creator Network President, Koki will oversee creator content development and partnerships. Koki is the producer of the iconic JDM video series Best Motoring International and co-founder of GTChannel – a YouTube creator network that generated as many as 1 billion views annually – and the co-founder of StyleMyRide.ai. He is a serial entrepreneur and digital media executive with deep connections in the automotive industry. Early in his career he was a pitlane reporter for the American Le Mans Series.

Conzone joins RACER as Chief Technology Officer, bringing over two decades of expertise in software engineering, data science, and technology leadership. With a proven track record in automotive technology, advertising tech, and enterprise solutions, including key roles at Walt Disney, Conzone will drive RACER’s technology strategy. His extensive experience in developing advanced software solutions and scaling digital platforms will enhance RACER’s offerings, creating innovative and engaging experiences for its audience and partners.

Strategic Partnership

Mechanical Rabbit is at the forefront of creating award-winning automotive content for leading brands and broadcast networks. Akin has held senior positions at MotorTrend Group, FOX Sports and SPEED Channel. Born into a racing family, Akin was a professional driver, scoring wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Columbus 500 and the Watkins Glen 24 Hour.

Founded in 1992, RACER is the premier motorsports media brand in North America, delivering industry-leading content across multiple platforms. The company also operates a marketing agency – RACER Studio – and produces live streamed events. Its clients have included BMW, Dodge SRT, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Porsche, Toyota, IMSA, IndyCar, Laguna Seca, SCCA, Trans-Am, Monster Energy, American Legion, Lime Rock Park, Piloti and many others.

Learn more by visiting our advertiser resource site and the RACER magazine infomation site.