Warburton Details V8 Supercars' Strong Future

V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton has outlined his vision for the future of the sport at the season opening Clipsal 500.

As well as unveiling the details of new media rights agreement – which has FOXTEL, FOX SPORTS and Channel 10 as partners for the next six years from 2015-2020 – Warburton spoke of a strong future for V8 Supercars.

“We are more relevant than we have ever been,” Warburton said. “This (V8 Supercars) is the best kept secret, the best integrated product… the events, and the ability to activate, are extraordinary.”

The main objective of V8 Supercars is to return the business to its historical high of profitability, and a number of strong steps have already been taken:  

- All major partnerships have been retained for the next three to five years.

- The Clipsal 500 Adelaide – one of the sport’s biggest events – has been locked in as the season opener until 2021.

- Team sustainability is critically important to V8 Supercars – teams will be significantly better off in terms of overall income with the new media rights deal

- The 2015-2020 media rights deal means an unprecedented breadth of coverage and content – click here for more information on the TV deal.

- International expansion beyond the New Zealand event is possible.

- V8 Supercars is investigating twin races in the USA from 2015 and the return to Circuit of the Americas.

- V8 Supercars plans an additional one to four international events, which will be detailed later in the year.

- The 2015 calendar will be announced around the Wilson Security Sandown 500, in September.

- Nine new sponsors have opted into the sport, all existing sponsors retained, with four to six to be rolled out in the next few months.

- Warburton continues to search for a way to present V8 Supercar night racing and sees tonight’s twilight race as a “litmus test” for ratings and future potential.

This weekend’s Clipsal 500 Adelaide is expected to host more than 270,000 spectators. 

The event includes the debut of the sport’s fifth manufacturer, with Volvo not only on the grid, but starting from the front row after a stellar qualifying. All five manufacturers start Race Two in the top 10, demonstrating the strength of the New Generation V8 Supercars plan.

Stay tuned to v8supercars.com.au for more details on Warburton’s vision for V8 Supercars.