Ralph Seagraves
William Ralph Seagraves (April 21, 1929 – September 27, 1998) was an American executive. For 13 years he was the president of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s Special Events Operations (now Sports Marketing Enterprises). His help in introducing Winston cigarette advertising into NASCAR and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) lead him to be inducted in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2008. He is the 2021 recipient of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Landmark Award.[1]
Career
Seagraves, born in Wilkes County, started with R. J. Reynolds (RJR) in 1955 as a salesman.
Seagraves promoted the product in other sports, including golf,
Death
Seagraves died on September 27, 1998.[3] He was survived by his wife Ardette and son Colbert.[3][6] Upon his death, NHRA president Dallas Gardner said "Ralph was certainly the patriarch of motorsports' sponsorships, but Ralph's real legacy is that he always considered R.J. Reynolds as a partner in building motorsports, not (just) a sponsor. His contribution to the success of NHRA is immeasurable. We will miss him."[3]
Career awards
Besides his International Motorsports Hall of Fame induction, he was inducted in the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 1992 and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 1993.[3]
References
- ^ "Ralph Seagraves". Nascar Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2021-12-06.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Ralph Seagraves biography". International Motorsports Hall of Fame. 2008. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Ralph Seagraves Dies". Motorsport.com. 1998-09-28. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ a b c d Tursi, Frank; Susan E. White; Steve McQuilkin. "King Richard meets King Tobacco". Winston-Salem Journal. Archived from the original on 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ ISBN 0-312-34001-X.
- ISBN 0-936015-23-3.