FYI, Bill Tracy was the first "Viper" Marketing person and the one that gave original "go" for first Viper event (Indy '91) IVR, the the club concept, and maybe even VOI.1 (?), which I believe Ron Smith oversaw. At the time, Ron worked for Bill. Bill appeared to be a "big-picture" hands off manager, so Ron was able to run with lots of neat stuff like VOI.1.
Ron was promoted into Bill's (Dodge Marketing) job when Bill went to the Motorsports position many moons ago.... so Bill will work for Ron now? Interesting.
Ron will have his hands full with Daimler.... maybe Daimler is why Lou is retiring (hay-day over?? I hope not!!). Remember, When Lou took over (by the way, Bob Lutz hired him), all Mopar did was Drag Race, Dirt Track, and Eagle Talons. He started the Neon SCCA, Viper Program(s), Nascar Truck, Nascar... plus a few programs that sanctioning bodies goofed up. Ron will do a good job since he's a bonified car guy, and died in the wool Chrysler nut, he can only help unify Mopar further.....