AMSOIL Championship Off-Road has recently announced the appointment of Paul Hayward as their new Sportsman Technical Director. Hayward is a highly experienced short-course racer, having competed in the Sportsman and Pro ranks for over nine years. The decision to appoint Hayward was made after the current Sportsman tech director, Al McMillan, announced his intention to take some time off to travel the country with his wife. Hayward will join seasoned veteran Jon LaCasse to the Sportsman tech team.

At the start of the 2023 Champ Off-Road season, Hayward expressed his interest in the position and began shadowing McMillan at some of the stops on the AMSOIL Off-Road Championship presented by the US Air Force Tour. After realizing this was where he wanted to be, he hoped to be considered a good fit for the series. Following discussions and recommendations from McMillan and the MORR Board of Directors, Champ Off-Road President Carl Schubitzke welcomed him aboard in early November.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed racing short course,” said Paul Hayward. “I have met numerous people who have become my friends, learned a great deal, and using that knowledge to assist others has been very fulfilling. Becoming a tech director was an excellent opportunity to give back to the sport that has become an integral part of my life.”

According to Schubitzke, “When the time came to fill the position, Paul took the initiative and stepped up. He demonstrated a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come with the job. Throughout the selection process, he was fully aware of the position’s objectives and the series. Choosing Paul as the Champ Sportsman Tech Director was the right decision for the Sportsman truck and buggy drivers.”

As soon as the news was released, Paul started receiving calls from the Sportsman short-course community. Hayward stated that the technical objectives from the previous season will be carried forward to enhance driver safety, ensuring that the rules of each class promote competitive racing and facilitate the growth of classes.

Hayward will join the Technical Team led by veteran off-road fabricator/driver Bill Savage, while Alex Fortune will continue with SXS Tech duties.