James Warburton’s departure as Supercars chief executive came down to a “line in the sand” difference of opinion with the sport’s board, interim CEO Barclay Nettlefold says.

The surprising exit news emerged on April 2 when Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises Ltd (RACE) confirmed that Warburton had stepped down from the role, saying it was a mutual agreement and considered in the best interests of the organisation.

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Warburton oversaw significant changes in his second stint in the head position at Supercars, the most notable being a change in broadcast voices which saw long-time commentators Neil Crompton and Mark Skaife removed from the permanent coverage.

He was also in charge as the category embarked on its ambitious inaugural finals series in 2025, where Chaz Mostert claimed his first Supercars championship in Adelaide.

Former Supercars CEO James Warburton. Picture Glenn Hampson.Source: News Corp Australia

Now, interim CEO and RACE chair Nettlefold has addressed the departure for the first time, saying RACE and Warburton couldn’t come to a compromise on a few things.

“There was a line in the sand that appeared where James wanted to go in one direction, and the board was looking at a different route, and we agreed to an amicable parting,” Nettlefold told FOX Sports Supercars host Jess Yates.

“It was all good, he left on good terms and the sport moves on … and we thank him for what he did in his short period of time with the sport.”

Warburton only spent the past year in the current role, but it wasn’t the first time he has been the main man leading Supercars.

He led the category from 2013-2017, and took on a non-executive director role with the Australian Racing group in 2019.

In his absence, Nettlefold is now taking charge of the series as they look for a new leader, and he’s backed himself to be the man to push the category forward.

“I’ve invested heavily into (Supercars) heavily with a group of people, and I’m committed to help lead it until we find the right leader,” Nettlefold said.

“I’ve got lots of strong relationships with all team owners, drivers and sponsors, so I’ll just keep helping until we find the right person.”

The proposed Perth street circuit. Source: Supercars.comSource: Supplied

Addressing Warburton’s departure wasn’t the only big topic discussed, with a big hint at the new Perth street circuit becoming the season-opening event in 2028.

Up until COVID-19 cancellations in 2020, Adelaide was the traditional season-opener, but since then it has been held in New South Wales.

Circuits which have hosted the first race of the season over the past six years include the now-extinct Newcastle street circuit, Mount Panorama and Sydney Motorsport Park.

Last year, the Western Australian state government revealed plans for a 3.4 km, 12-turn race circuit as part of a new multi-purpose precinct named Perth Park.

The new circuit plans are promising night racing under lights, with permanent infrastructure including grandstands, a function centre and a 20,000 capacity outdoor music amphitheatre.

If what the current CEO says is anything to go by, it could find a permanent slot at the beginning of the Supercars calendar in just a few years.

“Western Australia, we’re earmarking as a future one come 2028,” Nettlefold said.

“Working with the government there now in regards to a new entertainment complex they’re building in the harbour city, that’s going to be exciting.”

Supercars interim CEO Barclay Nettlefold.Source: FOX SPORTS

The news comes as Supercars race at the Ruapuna Raceway for the first Christchurch Super440 event.

Racing this weekend will complete a first of its kind New Zealand double header, after the Taupo Super 440 last weekend.

An extra race has been scheduled this weekend following the cancellation of Sunday racing last week due to cyclonic weather.