Leading businessman James Strong has declared the potential for the V8 Supercars championship “unlimited” after being appointed to replace long-serving chairman Tony Cochrane.
A former Qantas CEO, Strong recently stepped down as chairman of Woolworths and arrives with a strong background in motorsport as a director of Dorna Sports, which manages MotoGP worldwide, and former Australian Grand Prix Corporation board member.
One of his first big priorities will be finalising a new broadcast deal for the sport.
“All forms of motorsport are a passion of mine,” Strong said.
“V8 Supercars is without doubt the leading motorsport category in this region and a force worldwide.
“The sport is in wonderful shape for the future and I want to play an active part in the next period of evolution. The potential is unlimited.”
Strong arrives as the V8 Supercars championship prepares to enter a new era next year, with other car manufacturers joining the competition previously exclusively contested by Holdens and Fords.
The Australian-based championship currently includes rounds in New Zealand and Abu Dhabi and will enter the United States next year with a round in Austin, Texas.