THE tidal wave of support for Neil Crompton’s reinstatement to the Supercars broadcast is trending towards the numbers which saved Mark Larkham six years ago.
A ‘Save Crompo’ online petition hosted on change.org has attracted upwards of 18,300 signatures since being launched nine days ago on January 20.
With a steady stream of supporters continuing to trickle in, that averages out to be circa 2000 new signatures a day, if treated as a linear rate.
The campaign is being run by Mark Doust, who was also the man behind the ultimately successful ‘Save Larko’ mission.
On that occasion, Doust started a change.org campaign on December 11, 2020 – i.e. the same day that Larkham’s axing was confirmed.
Six weeks later, come January 22 of the new year, Supercars backflipped with the announcement of Larkham’s reappointment.
A total of 29,732 supporters joined the ‘Save Larko’ cause.
Mark Larkham. Pic: Ross Gibb
Supercars has been decidedly quiet on the topic of its television talent line-up for season 2026, which marks the first year of its new broadcast deal with Foxtel and Seven.
Crompton’s long-time co-commentator Mark Skaife is also tipped to be moved on as part of an effort to re-energise the product.
Garth Tander, who retired from co-driving after claiming his sixth Bathurst 1000 win last year, is thought to be at the centre of 2026 plans. He’s set to be the expert caller in the box with Chad Neylon, Matt Naulty, Richard Craill and perhaps even James Courtney rotated through alongside him.
Larkham, Riana Crehan, Craig Lowndes, Mark Winterbottom and Molly Taylor are also anticipated to feature in pitlane/other capacities.
The season-opening Sydney 500 will take place across February 20-22, aired on both Fox and Seven.