THERE is a common theory in the Supercars paddock regarding the quest to replace James Warburton as the category’s chief executive.
That is, that interim CEO Barclay Nettlefold will become the permanent CEO.
Nettlefold is an ultra-successful businessman who already is chairman and co-owner of Supercars.
Warburton’s demise pertained to a growing divide in the desired direction to take.
So, why not just hand the reins to Nettlefold? Dictatorships, per se, are known to have been a largely winning formula in motorsport whether it’s been Bernie Ecclestone in Formula 1 or Tony Cochrane in Supercars.
Plus, Nettlefold just so happens to have freed up cash and responsibility. His QMS Media business was sold to Nine Entertainment for $850 million mere weeks ago, and now per the Australian Financial Review, offers are being accepted on the MediaWorks empire he’s involved in too.
Supercars has indicated it will launch a global search for its next CEO, but perhaps it already has its man in place.
So, V8 Sleuth put the question to Nettlefold: would you rule out becoming the full-time chief?
“That’s a board decision, and the board hasn’t discussed that at all at this stage,” he said.
“What we are doing is we are looking at the process and we’ll see what candidates come forward.
“Yes, I have been a CEO in many of my businesses that I have founded and grown successfully, but at the end of the day it’s really just what is right for the sport.”
Warburton’s second stint at the helm of Supercars ended effective immediately on April 2.
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