ISM Raceway announces Giese as new president

ISM Raceway’s new president should feel right at home, since she’s been deeply involved in the $178 million, two-year transformation of the Avondale oval.

Julie Giese, who has worked as managing director of business operations for ISC Design and Development, takes over just ahead of the raceway’s grand opening NASCAR weekend Nov. 9-11.

ISC — International Speedway Corp. — is ISM Raceway’s parent company and runs 12 other motorsports facilities. Giese, who has been with ISC since 2001, becomes the only current female president of an ISC track.

“For me, it was a natural fit,” Giese said Tuesday in an exclusive interview with the Republic.

“I have a great understanding of the project. I think my experience puts me in a position to not only open a new venue, but also make sure we’re driving sales, and making ISM Raceway the premier destination we want it to be.”

She will succeed Bryan Sperber, who announced his intent to leave last August after 16 years leading the former Phoenix International Raceway. He plans to pursue entrepreneurial projects in sports, entertainment and consumer products.

As Daytona International Speedway’s marketing and communications vice president, Giese played a leading role in a $400 million redevelopment of ISC’s flagship track that includes a variety of innovative spectator amenities and provided valuable lessons for the ISM Raceway project.

“I would argue we (Phoenix) have the best event venue now within ISC, with due respect to our friends in Daytona,” Giese said. “We now have a property that puts us in the same conversation with the other sports teams in the market. I want to make sure we are delivering on that fan experience we’ve been promising.”

The Can-Am 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series semifinal playoff race is Nov. 11 at ISM Raceway.