Seamer behind wheel at V8s
SUPERCARS pulled the trigger on a rapid-fire replacement for James Warburton yesterday, appointing media executive Sean Seamer as the new chief executive of the V8s.
Little more than a month after Warburton shocked the motorsport world by announcing he was quitting the sport, Seamer beat a long list of candidates to become the sport’s newest leader.
Seamer, who describes himself as a Supercars fan, will leave MediaCom following a 15-year stint.
His appointment will take effect next year when Warburton officially steps down from the role.
“Very few times in your life do you get the opportunity to combine your passion with your craft,’’ Seamer said.
“For me, this is one of those rare moments.
“The Supercars team, led by James, has the sport on a fantastic growth trajectory.
“With innovation in engineering, race formats and international distribution all on the road map, it’s a great time to be joining.”
Seamer will be charged with overseeing the continued growth of the sport following Warburton’s reign.
Former Channel 10 boss Warburton will join advertising company APN Outdoor after failing to secure a substantial payrise to continue in the role.
Supercars board chairman Peter Wiggs declared Seamer the man to lead the sport into the future.
“As an incredibly talented young businessman, Sean brings many great qualities which will allow him to build seamlessly on the foundation built by James and the management team,’’ Wiggs said.
“As importantly, he has a passion for and deep understanding of the sport.”
Supercars board member and Prodrive Racing Australia team principal Rod Nash said Seamer was best candidate for the high-profile role.
“Sean is an outstanding leader with a proven track record in guiding businesses to further growth,’’ Nash said.
“He is genuinely passionate about our sport and we are very pleased he will continue the momentum built in recent years.’’
Seamer will attend this week’s season-ending grand finale in Newcastle.
On the track, Red Bull Holden Racing Team driver Jamie Whincup will go head-to-head with DJR Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin for the Supercars championship.
Whincup leads McLaughlin by just 30 points heading into the decider at the new Newcastle CBD street track.
Practice sessions for the event begin on Friday.