On the Move
NASCAR’s Security Director Coordinates Consistent Program for Traveling Show

By Kelly M. Teal

Tim Christine

NASCAR’s Director of Security Tim Christine spoke with Public Venue Security about precautions the motor sports organization takes to protect its participants and fans as it literally takes its show on the road to 23 locations throughout the country.

Christine joined NASCAR in May 2003, after more than 20 years in law enforcement, most notably with the U.S. Secret Service. Christine served as a Secret Service investigator; supervisory adviser to the U.S. Attorney’s Joint Terrorism Multi-Agency Task Force in Syracuse, N.Y.; and worked on the FBI Northwest Terrorism Task Force in Spokane, Wash. He also has conducted physical protection and protective advances domestically and internationally. Christine is an alumnus of Pennsylvania State University.

Q. Understanding that NASCAR hosts large and small events, does the nature of an event (i.e., The Daytona 500 and The Brickyard 400) influence the degree of security?

A. All NASCAR Nextel Cup events are large in scope as compared to our counterparts in the National Football League or Major League Baseball. For instance, 17 of the top 20 most-attended sports or entertainment events in the world are NASCAR events. The largest NASCAR venue in terms of attendance is the Brickyard 400 with 400,000-plus attendees. Larger events require more resources, manpower and attention. However, NASCAR has adopted the philosophy that all event venue managers are required to implement a consistent common approach to security management.

Large crowds convene at NASCAR races in 2003, emphasizing the importance of well-planned fan security.

Unlike other professional sports, NASCAR does not possess a “home” field. NASCAR events are run 36 times a year at 23 separate locations throughout the United States. No one facility hosts more than two events a year. Each NASCAR venue has its own security management team. A common component at each venue is the incorporation of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies into each respective security plan. For example, all venues incorporate command-level law enforcement managers from the local venue police jurisdiction, the county sheriff’s department, the state police or highway patrol and from federal agencies to include the FBI, ATF and FAA. All security plans also incorporate command-level emergency response managers from the local fire department with venue jurisdiction and local EMS [emergency medical services] support. All venue security managers coordinate their own unique security operations plan with their respective state Homeland Security director.

Q. In what proportions do human resources vs. technology play a role in securing a NASCAR facility?

A. Undoubtedly, the human resources make up the largest component in NASCAR’s venue security program. Venue security managers must possess sufficient human resources for traffic management, crowd screening, crowd control and emergency response initiatives. Additionally, the perimeters of NASCAR venues are secured from the outer perimeters of the parking lots through the inner perimeters of the garage and pit road areas. Advances in technology play an integral role in the overall security scope, but cannot replace the essential human element. NASCAR places a high value on harnessing technological advances in the form of competitor safety through venue security enhancement. NASCAR’s Research and Development facility in Concord, N.C., also will play an important role in the enhancement of our venue security program by embracing technological advances to assist in providing optimal security.

Q. Following 9/11 was there a response or change in the way NASCAR handled security at its venues?

A. Law enforcement agencies and venue security managers have been mandated to incorporate changes as a direct result of 9/11. Temporary flight restrictions are now commonplace at all major sporting events to include NASCAR events. All Americans have changed as a result of 9/11. NASCAR fans enjoy a close relationship with the U.S. armed forces in part because NASCAR is truly an American-born institution. Our fans now accept new security screening measures as part of the way we must now conduct business. NASCAR has instituted a systemic, consistent security protocol at all venues in which the director of security is charged with oversight. Our fans are our most important resource. We are putting enhanced security initiatives in place to ensure all persons accessing NASCAR venues are thoroughly screened. Fans of NASCAR have been encouraged to bring minimal items into venue locations to facilitate screening at event gates. NASCAR’s board of directors, led by Chairman Brian F. France, is committed to preserving NASCAR’s rich heritage and traditions through security enhancements.

Q. Understanding there are numerous components to your security program — many of which you would not want to divulge — is there any one system or procedure you could cite as a useful tip for other venues to employ?

(Right to Left) Gary Smith, NASCAR director of events logistics, George Pyne, COO, NASCAR, Paul Brooks, senior vice president,NASCAR, John Saunders, senior vice president/COO International Speedway Corp. take part in last December’s Winston Cup Series Champion’s Week celebrations at the White House

A. The overall security programs at all NASCAR venues are required to incorporate crisis management/disaster plan training in conjunction with all law enforcement and public safety agencies that support and enhance security at each venue. There is no higher value to NASCAR’s security objective than comprehensive event planning. NASCAR has adopted a common philosophical outlook as have many other public safety agencies and that is, “failure to plan is planning to fail.” NASCAR realizes securing crowds at large venues cannot be accomplished in a vacuum. Interaction and training with all public safety and law enforcement agencies is at the cornerstone of event security.

Q. To your knowledge, have your systems/procedures ever been tested by would-be ne’er-do-wells?

A. It seems NASCAR fans have a rich history of attempting to gain access to the competitors of our sport. Some of our fans consistently push the envelope in order to gain access to secure areas. Most often, it is to get a unique view of their favorite driver. One thing we have learned is that enhancements in screening at our venues will not deter our fans from coming out to enjoy our unique brand of motor sports.

Q. How much of your program is preventative vs. responsebased? In other words, what emphasis is placed on visitor/performer/employee safety following a security breach or attack? Is there a call for venues to consider one or the other more critically?

A. NASCAR’s security program is based on proven preventative measures. NASCAR has sought the advice of our country’s most renowned security consultants, federal law enforcement officials, state law enforcement officials, federal emergency disaster planning officials and state fire/EMS officials to enact a joint comprehensive security program. Venue-wide consistency is critical to our efforts. However, one can always learn from experience. To this end, NASCAR has adopted a post-action event review at all venues as a standard procedure. Post-action event reviews are shared with all public safety agencies that participate in our overall security objectives.

Q. How much of your security program is conducted or planned in concert with local law enforcement?

A. On any given Sunday, NASCAR events continue to draw the largest crowds known to the sports and entertainment industry. Last year 7 million-plus fans attended Winston Cup Events.Without the assistance and cooperation of the local law enforcement and local emergency response teams, NASCAR could not ensure the safety of its fans. Local law enforcement always is represented as our most important asset, which allows NASCAR to conduct the business of world-class entertainment.

Q. Are there any particular threats of fan violence (i.e. throwing items onto the track) that endanger the drivers or conversely particular threats to fans from the high-speed vehicles? And, if so, what are examples of countermeasures?

NASCAR is racing into 2004 by bringing on Nextel Communications as its new series sponsor.

A. Secure walls, barricades and fencing are just a few of the measures our fans are accustomed to regarding safety. Our competitors also benefit from these same enhancements. NASCAR fans are loyal to our brand of racing and the term “fan violence” is almost unheard of in our sport. Our fans expect fairness in our rules, which makes NASCAR’s brand of racing among the most competitive in the industry. Our fans also have come to expect the same reciprocal treatment from all who come to enjoy our unique sport.

Q. What products do you most rely on to ensure security?

A. In 2004, NASCAR will be moving forward to a new era with Nextel Communications coming on board as our new series sponsor. Communication is vital to our overall security component.

Nextel is committed to keeping our sport secure. Nextel’s wireless Direct Connect telecommunications systems will be incorporated as NASCAR’s most visible enhancement to our event security program.