The V8 Supercars Board will meet in the coming days to commence the search for a new chairman following the announcement of Tony Cochrane’s impending departure.
Cochrane confirmed this afternoon that he will soon be leaving the business after 16 years at the forefront of its growth.
CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com’s breaking news story
The category it is now on the lookout for a non-executive chairman to replace Cochrane, who will step down as soon as an appointment is made.
The first serious discussions on the matter will occur at the next Board meeting, expected to take place within the next 10 days. A Board meeting scheduled for today was postponed due to the Cochrane announcement.
Board member and owner of benchmark V8 Supercars operation Triple Eight Racing Engineering, Roland Dane, told Speedcafe.com that it’s too early to discuss the yet-to-commence replacement search.
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“It’s too early to be talking about it,” he said.
“Frankly we’re currently absorbing Tony’s decision and giving him the platform and the space to make his announcement.
“It’s not appropriate yet to be talking about what the future is. That’ll come in due course.”
The V8 Supercars Board meets eight times each year at non-specified intervals, with Cochrane joined by Archer Capital representatives Andrew Gray and Brad Lankin, as well as team owners Dane and Brad Jones.
Cochrane’s tenacity and ability to seal deals with the likes of governments and key series partners will undoubtedly be missed by the business, especially amid the backdrop of a yet-to-be-finalised media rights deal and a number of soon-to-expire street race contracts.
Cochrane, meanwhile, wrote in a candid letter addressed to friends and colleagues today that he’s yet to decide on his own future.
“A new journey awaits – I have no idea today how or where – but my passion, determination and fire are all still here!” he wrote.
“Whether it’s entertainment or another sport, who knows? Maybe I’ll find a University that will have me and finally get around to finishing an education!?!? I certainly know the time is right to try something new in my own entrepreneurial way.”
CLICK HERE to read the letter in full
Cochrane says he will remain as a “external senior advisor” to the V8 Supercars Board, in addition to maintaining his minor shareholding in the business.
CLICK HERE to read tributes to Cochrane from a number of key players in the V8 Supercars paddock
