James Strong has been appointed as the new non-executive chairman of V8 Supercars, effectively replacing the departing Tony Cochrane.
Cochrane, instrumental in the creation of the V8 Supercars brand in 1996, announced he would retire from his role as executive chairman back in September. Strong has an extensive career at the helm of Australian sports, and has served as a director of the Australian Grand Prix and of Dorna, MotoGP's organizing body.
He is also the chairman of the organizing committee for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, a former chairman of Woolworths and a director of Qantas, for whom he also acted as CEO between 1983 and 2001.
With Nissan and Mercedes joining stalwarts Holden and Ford in the series next year, Strong said he was excited by V8's growth potential.
"V8 Supercars is without doubt the leading motorsport category in this region and a force worldwide," said Strong. "I look forward to contributing to the next phase of the V8 Supercars development and growth. The sport is in wonderful shape for the future and I want to play an active part in the next period of evolution; the potential is unlimited."
The championship holds its final round of 2012 this weekend at Homebush, Sydney.