Lonny Powell, who has spent more than 26 years in racetrack management, has been named a senior adviser at Pinnacle Race Course in Huron Township, Michigan, which opens its inaugural Thoroughbred meeting on July 18.

Powell will serve as an adviser to Pinnacle owner Jerry Campbell, who along with his wife Felicia is a longtime Thoroughbred owner. Felicia Campbell also is a licensed trainer.

“I have known Lonny Powell for over ten years and he is the most experienced and knowledgeable racetrack person that I know in the country,” Jerry Campbell said. “We are extremely pleased to have him as a senior adviser to the owner. Lonny has already brought a lot of value to our new track. We anticipate that Lonny will continue to have a great impact on our operation.”

Powell most recently spent three years as vice president of public affairs for Youbet.com. He was the president and chief executive officer of the Association of Racing Commissioners International from 2001-’05 and also previously worked as the executive vice president-operations of Magna Entertainment Corp.

Powell has also previously worked at a number of tracks, and served as president of Santa Anita Park and Turf Paradise.

“I have long been an admirer of Jerry and Lisa Campbell and have been proud to call them friends for a number of years,” Powell said. “When Jerry called seeking my help in his Pinnacle Race Course venture and to securing for the future a more viable and opportunistic horse racing industry for the greater Detroit area, I was flattered by the invite and happy to join this fairly unique undertaking.”