GM name new director of racing.

General Motors has announced that Mark Kent will be taking over as its new director of racing.

Kent, who replaces the outgoing Doug Duchardt, will oversee engineering and marketing activities for all of General Motors motorsports programmes, which includes the IRL, NASCAR and Grand Am.

Steve Shannon, executive director of GM marketing services, said he was delighted to have the experience of Kent on board.

"Our racing efforts will benefit from Mark's motorsports engineering and programme management experience and his competitive nature," he said. "He has a strong track record of leading and supporting successful racing programmes for the company."

Kent will take on his new role from 1 March.