REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Thursday, June 22, 2006

The general manager of the Lexmark Indy 300 quit just four months out from the Gold Coast’s biggest spectacle.

Ken Freer, who was only appointed to the role in nine months earlier, resigned to become chief executive officer of the Queensland Reds rugby union organisation.

He was the tenth person to leave the general manager’s post since the first race in 1991.

Mr Freer, who replaced James O’Brien, was taking over from outgoing QRU chief Theo

Psaros. IMG Queensland general manager Phil Stoneman said the board would meet to discuss the appointment of a new Indy boss.

Mr Stoneman said although Mr Freer’s resignation was unexpected, it would have little to no effect on this year’s Indy.

"We understand it is a pretty exciting role that he has got and I know he is passionate about rugby," said Mr Stoneman.

"He is a very good executive and that is the reason why we picked him up in the first place.

"We have a senior management team that has been in place now for several years and they are responsible for delivering this year’s event.

"At the moment, our ticket sales are in good shape and it is business as usual.

"We will appoint someone in due time but at this stage we are in very good shape for the 2006 event."

The departure posed questions about the State Government’s and the International Management Group’s ability to retain a general manager for the event.

Dumped Indy chairman John Cowley said the position warranted a more lucrative package, to fend off rival offers.