BROADSIDE

Cochrane takes a shot at departing Supercars chief executive

FORMER Supercars boss Tony Cochrane has fired a shot at departing CEO James Warburton, declaring his hope for the sport to “finally” be well-run.

Cochrane (left) established himself as the series’ figurehead in a long stint as executive chairman – ending 2012 – during which he led a revamp of Australia’s premier motorsport spectacle.

“As a shareholder, I certainly do hope they can finally get someone in who can run the business well,” said Cochrane, who is now chairman of the Gold Coast Suns AFL club.

“I won’t get into a dissertation on how it’s to be run but it has been a long while since it has been a well-run business.”

Warburton, a respected businessman who entered the series in mid-2013 upon taking over from David Malone as CEO, last night rejected Cochrane’s comments.

“The fact is the management team has built EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) by 140 per cent from where Tony left off,” said Warburton (right).

“It’s disappointing to hear him say that when the sport is as strong as it has ever been.”

Cochrane’s comments come just days out from the GC600.

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

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

At least one member of the Supercars board refused 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 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 started a worldwide search for his replacement.

Warburton will announce details of a future role tomorrow with those close to the corporate high-flyer 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 with Warburton earlier this year to talk about a sporting switch.

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