studio (un)scripted: 5 questions with brent gambill.
BRENT GAMBILL, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF TRACK COMMUNICATIONS (and the best human, dad, husband, connector, collaborator and friend a person could ask for)
The studio is my happy place, where is yours?
As someone who travels immensely for work, I appreciate time at home with my family. It is the little things that provide happiness. From playing with the kids to Friday pizza/movie nights to working on a project. Most all things at home take me away from my mobile phone and laptop, which allows me to be present with my family.
Your career has been so fun to follow over the last few decades (whoa) and all tracks have led you to NASCAR (pun absolutely intended). As the Senior Director of Track Communications for such a massive organization, your schedule is crazy but you get to do some very cool stuff. As 2023 comes to an end, what were some of the wildest NASCAR moments you saw this year?
In leading communications for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, I was able to tell the story of our first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race in the 75-year history of NASCAR. From watching the build start to leading the first big bus tour of the street course to race cars competing down the streets of Chicago with iconic views of the Second City at every turn, the Chicago Street Race was the most memorable moment of the year.
NASCAR is a sport that has memorable moments every weekend. This year, I enjoyed celebrating the 75th anniversary of NASCAR with the second year of the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. winning the DAYTONA 500, Darlington Raceway’s unveiling the 75 greatest drivers, Ryan Blaney winning his first NASCAR Cup Series championship, and many more.
You also served as the Chair of the PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section last year, which is just another great thing you do. Why is being involved with professional networking so important to you?
PRSA is an amazing organization for networking as well as continually educating yourself on public and media relations practices. While I have enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer and learn more about the organization, it has been getting know the PRSA leadership and our PRSA Entertainment and Sports Section executive committee and members that was the most meaningful.
All that said, what advice would you offer to someone curious about finding similar successes to yours, in a sports communications role?
First, I’d recommend volunteering. Get to know an organization or an area of work interest by offering your services through an internship or shadowing. Sports is a competitive field, so it is hard to get your foot in the door. Volunteering offers opportunities to get to know others and showcase your skillset for the future.
Secondly, networking. As someone from a relatively professional sport free state like Arkansas (two minor league baseball teams), I had to find roads that would connect me to other individuals that worked in sports. LinkedIn is also a wonderful platform for engaging and connecting directly. It is certainly a far better avenue than all the letters I mailed out during law school to connect with professional sports teams.
If you could ask me anything, what would it be?
Who has had the biggest impact on your professional career (and it can’t be family)?
Follow Mr. Gambill on LinkedIn to stay in touch. It’s absolutely worth it.