Vale: James Strong
V8 Supercars has been deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Non-Executive Chairman James Strong. Mr Strong passed away yesterday after a short illness.
Mr Strong was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of V8 Supercars late last year. He possessed an extensive knowledge and passion for motorsport including being a personal mentor to Mark Webber and Casey Stoner, and was relishing beginning his new role.
V8 Supercar CEO David Malone was told of the terrible news last night following the first event of the year in Adelaide.
"It is with immense sadness I mark the passing of our Non-Executive Chairman James Strong.," Mr Malone said.
"He was an astute businessman with an extensive motorsport passion and knowledge. He offered so much to the sport of V8 Supercars. Sadly James was unable to make the contribution he had wanted and was so enthusiastic about.
"James leaves an indelible mark on the business world in his lifetime of work across corporate Australia as a humble and esteemed business man. We offer James' wife Jeanne-Claude and family our heartfelt condolences."
V8 Supercar Director Andrew Gray from Archer Capital was equally as shocked.
"As a Board we were aware recently that James was not well; but this still comes as a terrible shock," Mr Gray said.
"James joined us with an incredible drive to help the business grow and prosper. We were tremendously excited by what James's extensive experience in both business and motor sports was going to bring to V8 Supercars."
"We will miss him dearly and our thoughts are now with James' family."
Mr Strong was the Chairman of Woolworths, Chairman of the organising committee for the 2015 ICC World Cup, Chairman of Kathmandu Holdings, a Director of Qantas and Chairman of the Australia Council for Arts.
He was a keen sportsman in many fields with a passion for mountain climbing and motorcycles.
In 2006 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his services to business and commerce, particularly in the aviation, insurance and retail fields, and to the arts as an administrator and philanthropist.
He held an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University, was an Adjunct Professor of the University of Queensland, and had been Admitted as a Solicitor and/or Barrister in various jurisdictions in Australia.
His achievements have been recognised and include Australian Centenary Medal for contributions to aviation and the arts, the Sir Charles McGrath Award for Excellence in Marketing, the Monash University and Mount Eliza Alumni Award for Leadership and the Smithsonian Institute's Laureate Hall of Fame Award for Commercial Air Transport.
