Motorsport news: V8 Supercars boss Sean Seamer quits

V8 Supercars will soon have a new boss after the surprise resignation of the sport’s current chief. Find out why he resigned and what it means for motorsport.

***DAILY TELEGRAPH EXCLUSIVE*** SATURDAY TELEGRAPH. DECEMBER 5, 2021. Pictured is Supercar Driver Michael Caruso, Premier Dominic Perrottet, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Supercars CEO Sean Seamer after doing a lap around the track while they are visiting Mount Panorama today at the Repco Bathurst 1000. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Supercars powerbrokers will leave no stone unturned in the search for Sean Seamer’s replacement with the V8 board giving themselves six months to find replacement.

In a luxury afforded to them after Seamer agreed to remain in his post until the middle of next year, new owner Barclay Nettlefold and his board will not be forced to make a rushed decision into appointing the person who will lead them into generation next.

Despite a suggestion that the Australian Racing Group – who combined with TLA and Henslow to buy Supercars under an entity known as RACE – are pushing to have their current CEO Matt Baird installed as the new boss, The Daily Telegraph has been told the next CEO has not been earmarked.

The RACE group is expected to conduct a global search in a bid to land a heavyweight sport’s administrator.

Following a four-year reign at the top after replacing James Warburton, Seamer yesterday said that he had resigned to be closer with his family, who now live in the US.

Sport’s greatest rivalry is here and you can catch the Ashes live and ad-break free during play. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

Driver Michael Caruso, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Supercars CEO Sean Seamer.

“We made a decision for them to move to the US when the lock downs were extended in Australia,” Seamer said.

“There weren’t any in the US and we decided it would be best for my young family. I am now looking forward to going to them for a white Christmas. The last two years have

been tough for everyone, but with young kids, it’s time for us to be closer to family.

It is for that reason that I have decided to resign as CEO of Supercars. I will be taking up a new role in the US, details of which will be announced early in the new year.”

Seamer shocked colleagues by announcing his resignation at an extraordinary meeting he called on Thursday afternoon at short notice as News Corp broke the story online of his imminent departure.

“I have just spoken to the team here at Supercars,” Seamer said.

“It is never easy telling people that you are leaving, especially with the bonds I have formed with them over the last two years, and more broadly over the last four.”

In his first interview since informing staff of his decision to move on after two years at the helm, Seamer said he was leaving the sport to spend more time with his US based family.

Sean Seamer is stepping down from his role to reunite with his US-based family. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

Seamer told The Daily Telegraph that he would remain in the role until his replacement is both found and up to speed.

“I am staying on until the middle of next year,” Seamer said.

“And I will also be on the board until the end of next year. I want to make sure it is a well thought out and smooth transition.”

Seamer sent a statement to employees, partners and the media shortly after he informed key staff of his decision.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to you today to announce that 2021 will be my last full season as the CEO of Supercars,” the statement said.

“When I took on this role four years ago, I was blown away by the passion that exists in this sport; from my team here at Supercars, to the race teams, fans and sponsors. It is this passion that has seen the sport not only survive the last two years, but thrive.

“There are simply too many people to thank for what we have collectively achieved, particularly in the last two years, but I have to thank the hundreds of people who spent weeks and months away from their families, my leadership team and everyone at Supercars who has supported me and the business at every turn.

“To navigate a pandemic and deliver two Championship seasons, sign a new broadcast agreement, sign a new naming rights partner, complete the sale of the business and launch the Gen3 Supercar is something we should all be proud of.

“The result of this is a business and sport that is very much on track.”