NASCAR Hall of Fame Finalist 5th Class - T. Wayne Robertson - Promoter

SEE ALSO: Complete List Of Finalists - Includes Official NASCAR Bio's and Pictures

(b. 8/27/49 – d. 1/14/98)
Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.

T. Wayne Robertson is renowned for taking R.J. Reynolds’ sponsorship of NASCAR’s premier series – then called NASCAR Winston Cup, now NASCAR Sprint Cup – to a new level of success.

Robertson held dual roles of senior vice president at R.J. Reynolds and president of the company’s Sports Marketing Enterprises (SME) division which managed sponsorships in NASCAR, the NHRA, Senior PGA Tour and other entities. He had a distinguished 27-year career in sports marketing, the last 14 heading SME.

Robertson followed the legendary Ralph Seagraves as Reynolds’ point man with NASCAR. Among his many accomplishments was overseeing the creation of what is now known as the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race – originally called The Winston.

The foundation of his marketing approach was simple – and effective. Robertson was all about partnerships and the resulting relationships that enabled all partners to benefit.

Robertson joined the R.J. Reynolds organization in 1971 as an administrative
trainee and show car driver. A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Robertson earned an associate degree from Rowan Technical Institute.

Robertson died in a boating accident in 1998 at age 48.