Warburton departs Supercars CEO role

James Warburton has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Supercars, with the announcement made on the eve of the series’ groundbreaking double header in New Zealand. Series owners, RACE (Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises Ltd), confirmed Warburton’s departure on 2 April, with the Chair of RACE, Barclay Nettlefold, to step in as interim CEO.

This was Warburton’s second stint as CEO. He originally served in the role from 2013 to 2017, during which time he was responsible for the six-year broadcast deal with Fox Sports Australia, plus growing the series’ commercial value. Replacing Shane Howard as CEO last July after a period with APN Outdoor and Seven West Media, Warburton’s return came under scrutiny, with the revamp of the broadcast team for 2026 – notably dropping Neil Crompton – copping particular criticism.

Behind the scenes, Warburton was believed to have been frustrated by interference from RACE Directors and reduced autonomy in the role, but the official statement is that the departure was by mutual agreement.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to sincerely thank James Warburton for his leadership and contribution to Supercars,” Nettlefold said.

"James brought deep experience, energy and commitment to the role, and his return to the business was driven by a genuine belief in the sport and its future.

"We are grateful for the work he has done over the last year and wish him every success in his next endeavour. As a Board, we remain focused on maintaining momentum and execution as the organisation moves forward.”

Within the sport, criticism was levelled at Warburton for a lack of the CEO’s “visibility” across the opening rounds, the sport’s general direction and slow pace of progress, as well as executive appointments that included associates from his previous role at Seven West Media.

“Supercars is a strong organisation with committed staff, passionate teams and partners, and significant opportunity ahead,” Warburton said.

"I’m proud of what the team has achieved and the momentum that we have built for the sport in a short period of time.

"I wish the RACE Board, our staff and the broader Supercars community every future success for this great sport.”