John Saunders is the new chairman of the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC). He was elected to the position at the Center’s during a recent council meeting.

Saunders is currently president of the International Speedway Corporation (ISC). Since joining the ISC in 1998, he has served in various roles with expertise in strategic direction, marketing, sales, administration and operations.

Saunders also served as President of Watkins Glen International (WGI) from 1983-1997, leading the track out of bankruptcy to become one of the premier road racing venues in the world. Currently, he is Chariman of the Board of Directors at WGI and holds several other executive positions in the company.

Saunders is taking the reins from long-time IMRRC governing council chair, Bobby Rahal. Rahal was elected to the position in 2014.

“I am very pleased to have been selected by the other council members to become the chair of the organization” Saunders said. “Bobby has provided superb leadership in his time as chair and, as such, it’s really been a seamless transition.”

Saunders had served as Vice-Chair of the IMRRC since 2002.

Saunders has also served on numerous boards of directors, including Grand American Road Racing and the United States Auto Club.