COCHRANE’S NEW ROLE:
TONY Cochrane’s portfolio has exploded and the Suns chairman is expecting the same result from his latest business venture.
The man last week ranked by the Bulletin as the most influential figure in Gold Coast sport is going back to the future by getting involved with motorsport.
Cochrane put Supercars on the map during his long reign as boss and is looking to add to that legacy as the new chairman of the all-new Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Championship.
The two-round series has events in Sydney (November 10) and Auckland (November 24), expanding on the existing AUS-X Open.
Cochrane will team with series founders Adam Bailey and Ryan Sanderson in an event he said he had to join.
“The guys roped me in about November last year,” Cochrane said. “They are two very enthusiastic young guys who have built a great business and they have a really great product.
“They have a great opportunity to expand it and given my expertise with Supercars in those markets of Asia, New Zealand and the Middle East, it’s an exciting time for them and their sport.”
Cochrane admitted he’s had to be overly organised in order to make his already busy schedule work.
“There’s never a dull moment,” he said. “I’ve been with them (Supercross) seven months and we make it work
“We get together when I’m in Melbourne on business and I’m able to schedule my global travel so it fits in.
“In that regard it works really well.”
Despite his Gold Coast links, Cochrane all but ruled out plans to take any further expansion in the coming years to the region.
“I doubt it but you never say never,” he said of the Gold Coast’s prospects.
“Metricon Stadium could host it but right at the moment there are other much bigger markets to be catered for.
“Melbourne is crying out for an event.”
THEY ARE TWO VERY ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG GUYS WHO HAVE BUILT A GREAT BUSINESS TONY COCHRANE