New direction for MotorSport NZ’s promotion company

Media Release

19 April 2012

New direction for MotorSport NZ’s promotion company

There will be a new approach to the promotion of premier race meetings in 2012. A new name – MotorSport Promotions Limited – a new board and some new faces will complement a raft of other changes for premier classes in the next Championship season.

MotorSport New Zealand has announced a new six-member board as part of a plan to revitalise the promotion of the premier race season in 2012. The appointments supplement existing board members Bill Brown, representing circuit interests, Auckland businessman Shane McKillen and CEO Martin Fine.

Stepping up to lead the charge are Toyota New Zealand’s general manager of finance John Fowke, South Island businessman and motorsport identity Ian (Inky) Tulloch and David Dovey, current president of the IRC, the independent race class series which has supported both the premier series and Toyota International Series this year. Additional specialist appointments are also expected to be made.

“The move to widen the board is a conscious effort to include more stakeholders in the business of promoting the premier end of the sport,” MotorSport President Shayne Harris said in announcing the appointments. “Having the support of key stakeholders like the Toyota Racing Series and NZV8 Championship sends a clear signal to competitors and sponsors alike that the promotions company remains a vital link in creating a real place to showcase the sport at its most competitive level.”

“Careers are made from winning New Zealand Championships and New Zealand is fortunate to have some of the best trophies in its trophy cabinet, including the GP title and the coveted Gold Stars,” he said.

The appointment of the IRC coordinator means closer ties to many of the other promotable and growing categories. “There is a lot of synergy between our respective series,” said Dovey. “This tie-up will help the company offer IRC classes an opportunity to step up to the main game, while supplying additional classes at some championship meetings. It also gives us access to promotional expertise at some of our meetings,” he said.

A new role of marketing manager for the V8 category has also been created, with long-time motorsport marketing guru Brian Lawrence joining the team from Australia .

“This restructure gives us a good opportunity to evaluate our business, access some new talent and harness some new technology,” said Fine. “Motorsport isn’t just about cars racing on circuits; people want to be entertained both on and off track. The opportunity to fill our programmes with a great cross-section of motorsport will satisfy the needs of the true petrolhead, but at the same time we will be offering great entertainment for families in the areas around New Zealand where our shareholding circuits are operating,” he said.

Further announcements are expected following the first board meeting later this month.

ENDS

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