Michael Masi joins SuperCars Comission as independent chair

Sacked from his prominent F1 role after the most controversial finishes in the sport’s history, Michael Masi’s next sporting role has been revealed.

Former F1 race director Michael Masi will play a key role in guiding the future of Supercars after being confirmed as the new independent chair of the Supercars Commission.

After his return to Australia following his controversial finish in Formula One, Masi will take over from Supercars Hall of Fame inductee, Neil Crompton.

In a return to the sport where he served as a motorsport official before his move to F1, Masi will step into the role of Commission chair, effective immediately.

Crompton ended his decade-long tenure on the Commission earlier this month.

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: MASI REVEALS F1 DEATH THREATS

Masi left his role with F1’s governing body – the FIA – this year following his part in the controversial finish to the 2021 world championship decider in Abu Dhabi.

Addressing his new position, the experienced motorsport official said he was excited to help lead Supercars into a “new era” as the sport launches into its Gen3 phase next year.

“I view this role as continuing the amazing work already done by Neil and the Commission to lead Supercars into a brand new era with the introduction of the Gen3 Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang,” Masi said.

“I’m very proud to have been appointed to this role and look forward to working with the key stakeholders in the sport to ensure the future is an exciting one for our teams, partners, sponsors and most importantly the fans.”

Michael Masi arrived in to the paddock before an F1 qualifying session.

Supercars chief executive Shane Howard applauded Masi’s appointment and said his vast experience and passion would be invaluable in helping guide the sport into the future.

“I am delighted the Commission has appointed Michael to this important position for the sport,” Howard said.

“The role of Commission chair needs to be an independent, strong and robust leader. They need to effectively manage the Commission and its process, broker compromise where required and be a good communicator.

“Michael has worked closely and industriously with Supercars team owners, principals and stakeholders for many years and returns to Australia with vast experience and leadership which will be invaluable in guiding our sport into the future.

“I have met very few people with such an extensive understanding of the industry combined with an amazing passion.

“Michael will be a great successor to Neil, who did such an outstanding job. We welcome Michael back to the pinnacle of racing here in Australia and look forward to working closely with him in his role as chair of the Commission.”

Michael Masi is the new independent chair of the Supercars Commission.

Masi was heavily involved in Supercars, serving as deputy race director in his most recent role in the sport before his move to the FIA in 2018.

It was announced in July Masi had decided to leave the FIA.

Masi was removed as F1 race director ahead of the 2022 season after the controversial end to the title decider in Abu Dhabi.

He was heavily criticised for the events that led to Max Verstappen passing Lewis Hamilton to deny the Briton of a record eighth world title.

Masi called in the safety car for the final lap, then controversially allowed the backmarkers between race leader Hamilton and second-placed Verstappen to unlap themselves, leading to a one-lap shootout for the title.

The FIA eventually found Masi had made a “human error” but had acted in good faith in his decision-making at the season-ending Grand Prix last year.

Masi was replaced by two race directors, Eduardo Freitas and Niells Wittich, for 2022 and the FIA said he would be offered a new role within the organisation.

But less than half a year later, the body confirmed Masi had “decided to leave the FIA and relocate to Australia to be closer to his family and take on new challenges”.

Breaking his silence on the controversy, Masi told News Corp last month he had received “vile” abuse and death threats over the Abu Dhabi finish.

All 11 team owners are represented on the Supercars Commission, which makes recommendations for the Supercars board to approve or reject.

FINAL LAP: BATHURST 1000 CHAMP ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Callum Dick

Reigning Bathurst 1000 champion Lee Holdsworth will retire from Supercars at the end of the year.

The 39-year-old Penrite Racing driver announced on Tuesday that 2022 would be his last behind the wheel, in a career spanning almost two decades.

He drove his 500th race at Sandown earlier this month, becoming just the 11th driver in history to reach the milestone.

All going well, he will finish on 504 races when the season ends in Adelaide in December.

Holdsworth revealed he could have continued into 2023 but chose to step away with his focus now firmly on family.

“After considerable thought, I have now made the difficult decision to call it a day on my career as a full-time Supercars driver,” Holdsworth said.

“I’ve lived and breathed this sport since I was six years old and had the privilege of being a Supercars driver for 17 years. It’s required huge sacrifices, hard work and commitment, but above all else, it’s required enormous support from my family. For that I am extremely grateful.

Lee Holdsworth celebrating alongside Chaz Mostert after winning the Bathurst 1000 in 2021. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“Despite opportunities to extend my full-time Supercars career, I feel the time is right to focus on a future outside motorsport and devoting more time to my wife Alana and our children, Ava and Riley, as they grow up.”

Holdsworth made his debut as a wildcard entry in 2004, fittingly at Sandown, and was handed a full-time debut with Garry Rogers Motorsport in 2006.

He would mark his maiden win in a shock result at Oran Park the following year – his next coming at Sydney Olympic Park in 2010, before a move to Stone Brothers Racing in 2012.

Holdsworth enjoyed stints with Erebus Motorsport (2013-14), Team 18 (2015-18) and Tickford Racing (2019-20) before landing with Walkingshaw Andretti United last year, for whom he won the Great Race alongside Chaz Mostert.

The win at Mount Panorama in December was Holdsworth’s fourth-career victory.

“I particularly want to thank Rob smith and Garry Rogers for having the faith to give me a start in the sport I love so much and which has contributed so much to my life,” Holdsworth said.

Holdsworth has been driving in the Supercars for almost 20 years, but has decided 2022 will be his last. Picture: Chris Kidd.

“The 500-plus Supercars races I’ve contested have brought victories and podiums across three different manufacturers, including winning the Bathurst 1000 which was the pinnacle of my time in the sport.

“For the remainder of 2022 I am committed to delivering the best results for Penrite and our other great partners, as well as for the dedicated staff and crew who pour their hearts and souls into the team.

At the conclusion of the 2022 Championship, I will focus on the next chapter of my life. This will include … returning in 2023 and beyond as a co-driver to again set out to win the Bathurst 1000.

“Thanks for the ride. Thanks for the memories. Thanks for all the friendships.”

Holdsworth’s best result this year came in race 7 at the Melbourne Grand Prix when he finished third and was joined on the podium by Penrite teammate David Reynolds.

He will hope to add to his 19 career podiums over the final four races of the year.

Holdsworth sits 14th in the Supercars standings ahead of the Auckland Supersprint next weekend.