EXCLUSIVE: First interview with new Supercars boss Barclay Nettlefold

The mystery millionaire has been unmasked - Barclay Nettlefold, the global media giant behind the stunning $100m Supercars’ buyout, reveals his ‘next level’ V8 master plan

Nettlefold has penciled in Mark Skaife as a V8 pinch-hitter.

Meet the mystery millionaire who has come from the clouds to become Supercars’ most powerful man.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the V8 master plan of Barclay Nettlefold – the global media giant behind the stunning $100 million Supercars buyout.

In his first interview since the RACE entity bought out both Archer Capital and the V8 team owners to acquire a 100 per cent stake in the sport, Nettlefold revealed Supercars would be reset, re-energised and turned into a national spectacle.

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“We are going to take the sport to the next level,” Nettlefold said.

“We want world class events and world class racing. Supercars is one of Asia Pacific‘s leading and most iconic sporting franchises, which has been ingrained in our culture since its inception in 1960. Motorsports contributed more than $8 billion to the Australian economy in 2019.

“It’s RACE’s mission to enhance the experience and engage more fans. We have consolidated the sport by taking it from a 65 per cent to a 100 per cent ownership. We have already met with the team owners and we are clearly aligned. They can focus on racing and we will focus on the series, events and the expansion of the sport.“

THE BUSINESS CLOUT

A global media heavyweight and chairman of QMS Media, Nettlefold has promised to lend the resources of his affiliate companies to Supercars. These include Australian sports business TLA and leading Outdoor media business QMS Media who will help strengthen the current offering for fans and enhance commercial opportunities for our partners.

“We believe we can bring a lot of B2B support through our digital media network both in Australia and New Zealand,” Nettlefold said.

Nettlefold said that some of Australia’s best sport’s administrators – including AFL kingmaker Craig Kelly and V8 immortal Mark Skaife – would become V8 pinch-hitters.

“Some of our very high profile connections will play a big part in the sport,” Nettlefold said.

Nettlefold has penciled in Mark Skaife as a V8 pinch-hitter.

GOING GLOBAL

Nettlefold, who has replaced Peter Wigg as Supercars’ next chairman, hinted at a plan to take the sport global.

While he would not say if he would revive international races such as the failed Austin 400 in Texas, Nettlefold was adamant the sport had international appeal.

“We are talking to our international partners about looking at global sponsorship opportunities,” Nettlefold said.

“We will work hard on our digital platforms and make it become more relevant to both the teams and the fans. I really think that Gen 3 will give us the platform to go global.

“There is no doubt we have an opportunity in the US given both of the manufacturers of the Gen 3 cars are based in the US. Both Ford and GM in the US have done a lot of work on the Gen 3 project and with Supercars owning that IP we will strategically be looking at what that means on an international level.”

Nettlefold has grand plans to take Supercars global. Picture: Getty Images

THE SHAKE-UP

The new administration will leave no stone unturned in a global search to find Sean Seamer‘s replacement.

Supercars board members are expected to meet this week to begin what could be a six month search to find a new boss to take Supercars to new heights.

“The sport has shown that it is both strong and robust through the pandemic,” Nettlefold said.

“It has performed very well compared to other sports. The management team has a great culture and is proactive in delivering great events which we are encouraged about.

“The excitement factor for us is that we are buying in and taking control of the sport at the right time. We have a sport that has a good base with a very loyal group of fans who we want to reward.“

THE MANUFACTURERS

With Jaguar touted as a serious contender to join General Motors and Ford on the grid in 2023, Nettlefold hinted that other manufacturers could be enticed to join the series following the successful unveiling of Gen 3.

“Gen 3 is the most exciting thing I have seen for a long time,” Nettlefold said.

“It is going to enable us to do some very big things. It is extremely relevant to the automotive industry and will create many opportunities with both manufacturers and others operating in the automotive industry.”

Could Jaguar be joining General Motors and Ford.

THE GLITZ AND GLAMOUR

The new ownership group (RACE) has vowed to bring back big ticket street races.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that a Canberra event is already on the cards with negotiations underway.

“We are already looking through the calendar with a view to getting the high level racing events back,” Nettlefold said.

“We want more tier one street races to complement the tier two circuit races. We are certainly in discussion with several state governments about getting street racing back. We will give the fans what they want.

“We already have some great things lined up to start the season in Newcastle. We will bring the entertainment factor and use what our collective group of investors has to make it happen.”