V8s boss quits in pay row

JAMES Warburton knocked back a three-year extension to remain the boss of Supercars after the sport’s board refused to meet a pay-rise request.

It is understood Waburton was willing to continue in the role as Supercars CEO on the provision he was given an upgraded deal.

At least one member of the Supercars board said no to the pay upgrade in a decision that led to Warburton quitting the sport in a V8 bombshell that was announced yesterday.

The decision not to offer Warburton a substantial payrise was made earlier this month when the full Supercars board met during the Bathurst 1000. The former Channel 10 boss yesterday announced he would be stepping down from the role at the end of the year in a move that has triggered a worldwide search placement.

“With a heavy heart, I advise the 2017 season [and year] will be my last as CEO of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship,” Warburton said in a statement.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to work with such inspiring people within the Supercars family and to lead a sport of which I have been a fan since the age of five. for his re-

“I am truly in awe of the passion and commitment across the entire industry and the dedication to entertain our fans and am blessed to have made a host of lifelong friends from the experience.’’

Warburton will announce details of a future role tomorrow. Close associates are ruling out a switch to the NRL.

The Sydney-based businessman has been heavily linked to a rugby league move with NRL powerbrokers Phil Gould and Nick Politis meeting Warburton earlier this year to talk about a sporting switch.

There have also been suggestions Warburton may be the man to fix rugby union in Australia with ARU boss Bill Pulver to stand down as soon as his replacement is found.

Warburton has been credited with returning Supercars to an Australian sporting force during his four-year reign.