LIAM Curkpatrick is stepping down as Australian Racing Group chief operating officer.
Curkpatrick was involved with V8 Touring Cars dating back to 2008 and joined ARG in 2019. He was then promoted to COO late last year when it was simultaneously announced that Matt Braid’s tenure as CEO was ending.
Several sources have stressed that Curkpatrick’s impending departure has been long in the works.
However, it does come at a time when the pressure is ramping up on ARG.
John McMellan is no longer involved in management and executive producer of broadcast Andrew Janson was let go last month, among many other personnel changes in the past year.
There’s also mounting speculation around the future of ARG-promoted category S5000.
Separate to all of that, Curkpatrick is exiting in order to spend more time with his young family.
He will consult to ARG until the end of the season, while ARG major shareholder Barry Rogers will look after day-to-day operations.
“I have been with ARG since its inception in 2019 and originally took on the role as TCR category manager,” said Curkpatrick.
“Since then ARG has grown to include six categories and five events and achieved a lot along the way of its rapid growth.
“The business is in good hands and has a bright future ahead. I will still be in the background guiding the team through the transition and where needed.
“I appreciate the opportunities ARG has given me and Garry and Barry Rogers for not only their commitment to motorsport but their faith in me to be a part of their business.
“I have great confidence in the existing ARG team and look forward to seeing a successful TCR World Tour and Supercheap Auto Bathurst International in a couple of months.”
