Chief Operating OfficerJoel Cohen Group LLCDirector of MotorsportsAndy has been involved in Motorsports most of his life. From 1979, he has been involved in ownership and consulting for many historic tracks, adding his flair and eye to the success of every project he is involved with. Through decades of management experience, a winning formula has been developed. It is now the core methodology: helping clients and friends in business achieve successful, sustainable and measurable results. The process is called, “The Management Master Plan”.

Expertise & Experience in business managementThrough decades of management experience, a winning formula has been developed.

Andy advised during the design and initial construction of Bluegrass Motorsports Park, a planned 2.5 mile road course about 20 miles from Cincinnati in Northern Kentucky. The track has over 100 feet of elevation changes and can be operated as two circuits simultaneously. Its 4000 foot front straight is one of the longest straights in North America.The project was designed to mimic some of the most famous turns in European tracks and also be suitable for novice drivers. Derek Daly, famed driver and course designer worked closely with Vertrees and the ownership group on design and initial construction

Andy Vertrees, recently Iowa Speedway’s Chief Operating Officer, is recognized as a national leader in organizing motor sports facilities. His success as one of the top promoters in the country comes from many years of experience, both as a race driver and later, a speedway operator.Andy played a major role in the planning, design, development, and scheduling of Iowa Speedway in Newton, IA. This outstanding 7/8 mile, more than 32,000 permanent seat racing facility is the first track ever constructed with the SAFER Barrier, a system designed to reduce the severity of impacts by race cars. Other tracks have added this system in front of concrete walls, but Iowa was designed from scratch with the SAFER system instead of traditional construction. Iowa Speedway has already hosted a wide variety of events on its oval track, road course, and one-eighth mile drag strip including the Indy Racing League, USAC, ARCA, Hooters Pro Cup Series, and a full schedule of sports car, motorcycle, and driving school events plus the Legends Series and several concerts featuring national touring artists. The 1.3 mile road course has already played host to the same competitors who run in the 24 Hours of Daytona (Rolex Sports Car Series including GT and ST classes).

-I was the first employee of the Lake Erie Speedway. Lake Erie Speedway was opened successfully, a project that Andy served as a consultant from conception through final construction. Andy’s contributions to the project included designing all aspects of the facility and development of a successful operations plan. In addition, he participated in staff training and met with local government officials and political officers. Lake Erie Speedway has been recognized as one of the finest short tracks in the country.

- Kentucky Speedway successfully opened with NASCAR touring events drawing a record crowd for the sanctioning body’s All Pro Series race and a sell-out crowd of over 70,000 for the “Kroger 225” NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event.- Andy’s duties included supervising 500 staff members during race day events.- Vertrees directed the operations for ARCA and Indy Racing League (IRL) Series events at the superspeedway. In addition, he supervised the operations for the nation’s eighth largest outdoor music concert ever, featuring heavy metal bands Metallica, Korn, and Kid Rock drawing over 55,000.- Appointed to the Greater Louisville Sports Commission.2001- Kentucky Speedway hosted its inaugural NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division event “Outback Steakhouse 300” that drew over 70,000. NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck, All Pro and Goody’s Dash Series also returned to Kentucky Speedway as well as the IRL Series.2002- Supervised the repaving and reconditioning of the racing surface at Kentucky Speedway.