BARRY Rogers insists the latest Australian Racing Group management changes are no cause for concern and instead a sign of his family’s dedication to making its mid-tier racing suite a success.
Last week, it was announced long-time ARG powerbroker John McMellan’s time in a management capacity had come to an end.
The status of his shareholding was unclear based on the associated statement at the time, but V8 Sleuth has verified McMellan does remain a co-owner of the business.
Nevertheless, it’s the latest shake-up in a nine-month period that has seen Matt Braid exit as CEO, the Boyd family sell its remaining stake, S5000 inventor Chris Lambden’s contract not be renewed, broadcast guru Greg Miles come and go, and more.
“There has been a bit of a cleaning of the shop, as you do,” Rogers told V8 Sleuth.
“Look, we have got grassroots motorsports here in Australia, club racing and that type of activity; we have got obviously the high end with Supercars; we’re more that mid-tier level and it’s so important for this level to be successful, otherwise that road to the top has a big gap in it.
“So we’re determined to invest what’s required.
“We can get this whole thing happening successfully, it just requires a lot of effort from us individually to really commit and get into it, and we’re here to make that happen. It’s as simple as that.
“There will be other changes that come in time, different people put on, we’re working towards that. We just want to get this thing happening.”
Further to that point, the Rogers’ will take an increasingly hands-on role within ARG following the McMellan revelation.
“That’s how we have operated our businesses over the years, certainly Garry has, and I suppose you can only have so many chiefs in a business,” said Rogers.
“We’re just wanting to run it and control it – we’re investing in it and just want to be more hands-on.”
Rogers said the status of Ben McMellan, John’s son, as head of category operations has not changed.
He also heaped praise on the ongoing efforts of South Australian-based ARG chief operating officer Liam Curkpatrick.
“He’s not your front man media man, we know that, but I tell you, he gets the grunt work done,” Rogers said.
“There is no better person.”
The next event on the Shannons SpeedSeries schedule is at Queensland Raceway on August 11-13.
