Supercars head of motorsport Adrian Burgess pleads guilty to high-range drink driving
The job of a man near the top of Australia’s biggest motorsports championships was on the line after a drink-driving scandal, a court heard. Find out how Supercars has reacted
Gold Coast
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A Gold Coast-based motorsports identity who admitted driving three times the alcohol limit - and whose job was at risk, a court heard - has had a reprieve from Supercars.
Supercars head of motorsport Adrian Burgess, 54, was seen “staggering” to his car by a Hope Island Resort security officer at 11pm on August 11, Southport Magistrates Court heard.
The court was told the security worker followed Burgess who drove a short distance home, hitting his garage back wall while reversing in.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Michael Vanderhelm said Burgess claimed he’d been drinking wine at home when police arrived, but officers were unable to find an open bottle or used glass.
Burgess was arrested and taken to Coomera police station after refusing a breath test, later recording a 0.171 blood alcohol concentration.
Burgess’ motorsports career spans 30 years, boasting Formula One roles and stints with Supercars heavyweight teams Dick Johnson Racing and Triple Eight Racing.
He was named Supercars head of motorsport in 2018.
Defence lawyer Nick Hatcher said Burgess may lose the prestigious job – often requiring him to travel nationally – due to the mandatory licence disqualification.
However, Supercars confirmed Burgess had not been stood down from his role, saying in a statement it continued to work with him on the matter.
“Supercars is aware that Adrian Burgess has appeared in Southport Magistrates Court due to an incident involving driving under the influence of alcohol,” a Supercars spokesperson said.
“Adrian has been addressing the matter and has provided remorsefulness, transparency and honesty since the incident.
“Supercars continues to work with Adrian in regards to this matter.”
Mr Hatcher said his client was coping with the fourth anniversary of his wife’s death while under a “great deal of stress” working on the Gen3 Supercars project
“He was struggling a bit that day and also dealing with his daughter – in the UK – (as) she was struggling a bit, and he went out and had a few drinks,” he said.
“His behaviour on the night was unacceptable and he accepts that.”
Magistrate Nerida Wilson said Burgess had “impeccable credentials” and “almost unblemished” traffic record, and appreciated the possible impact of his licence disqualification.
Burgess pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of liquor and failing to provide a specimen of breath.
He was fined $1200 and disqualified for six months. No conviction was recorded.
Originally published as Supercars head of motorsport Adrian Burgess pleads guilty to high-range drink driving
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