Shayne Laws was named the new race director of Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia.

Laws has previously held the position of Langley Speedway’s competition director for years, supervising the crew that ensures the race cars are built to specifications. As race director, he’ll move to making decisions on how the races unfold and will penalize competitors for improper driving.

A fixture at Langley Speedway for decades, Laws has built a reputation for impartiality. He also brings experience working in the tower, having assisted race directors at big Late Model events at Martinsville and Myrtle Beach.

“It’s really not a big change (because) you’re still working with the same people,” Laws said. “You pretty much have learned everybody over the years, their driving style.

“Going to the tower is really an honor for me.”

The official 2017 racing schedule was also recently announced.

Langley Speedway’s April 1 Opening Night schedule includes Late Model 100, Super Street 40, Super Truck 25, Legends 25 and Bandolero 15.

Five more divisions will move into action April 8—Modified 50, Grand Stock 40, Pro Six 30, UCAR 25 and Enduro 30—with the Wing Champ Karts debuting April 15 with a 20-lapper.

Other notable dates on the 2017 schedule are listed below:

May 13 – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
July 1 – Fireworks
July 22 – Hampton Heat 200
Sept. 2 – K&N Pro Series East
Oct. 7 – Day of Destruction

For the complete 2017 Langley Speedway schedule, visit here.