V8 Supercars announce management changes

The V8 Supercars Championship has announced some new changes at the top, as CEO Martin Whitaker now moves sideways into a new role as the Australian-based championship seeks to continue its international expansion.

The changes come on the back of a review post the sale of the series earlier in May to Australian Motor Racing Partners Pty Limited.

Martin Whitaker, who took over the position of CEO of V8 Supercars in April 2010, now moves into a newly created role of International Director. Previously, Whitaker was the CEO of the Bahrain International Circuit for six years and has also held the position before of Director of Motorsport for Ford.

“The management team and board of directors are united in their vision and outlook for the Championship and the importance of adding new overseas events to our calendar,” said Whitaker.”

“I look forward to continuing to lead the progressive international expansion of V8 Supercars.”

V8 Supercars Chairman Tony Cochrane added:
“The V8 Supercars business has evolved over the past 12 months, with a major new shareholder, different ownership structure and V8 Supercars embarking on an ambitious growth plan.”

“Overseas expansion is a key plank in our strategy and the international motorsport community holds Martin Whitaker in the highest regard. Now that our sale process has concluded it is the ideal time for Martin to focus entirely on opening new doors for V8S’s world-class TV and motorsport offering.”

V8 Supercar Events General Manager Shane Howard will temporarily take over as acting CEO yet again as the global search for a new CEO takes place.