- Decision is ‘considered to be in the best interests of Supercars’
- Warburton reportedly sought more autonomy in role but situation became untenable
James Warburton has stepped down as chief executive of the Supercars Championship effective immediately.
The decision, which was reached by mutual agreement, sees Barclay Nettlefold step in as Warburton’s replacement on an interim basis. An official statement said it ‘was considered to be in the best interests of Supercars as the organisation enters its next phase’.
The board of Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises (RACE) will now commence a formal process to find a new chief executive.
Nettlefold said: “On behalf of the board, I want to sincerely thank James Warburton for his leadership and contribution to Supercars.
“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.”
“Supercars is a strong organisation with committed staff, passionate teams and partners, and significant opportunity ahead,” said Warburton.
“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.”
Warburton returned to lead Supercars in July 2025 having previously served as chief executive between 2013 and 2017.
During his initial tenure, Warburton reported to private equity firm Archer Capital. However, in 2021, the Race consortium – led by Nettlefold – acquired Supercars.
According to Speedcafe, Warburton approached the board a month ago to raise concerns about the working relationship. He sought greater autonomy in the role, but it has since become clear that no solution could be found and the situation became untenable.
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