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LARKO UPROAR JUST THE START

Larko uproar just the start - Image: LAT

By Bruce Williams

Larko uproar just the start - Image: LAT

Larko uproar just the start – Image: LAT

As fans vent like never before over Mark Larkham’s sacking, more big changes – and possible shocks – are in store for Supercars’ broadcast commentary team next year.

By MARK FOGARTY

Outrage on social media at Larko’s axing has been unprecedented – and predictably so.

A public petition to keep him on air has been supported by more than 15,000 signatories.

Ironically, Larkham was dropped just days after being named Broadcaster Of The Year for the second year running in the Supercars Media Awards.

Neil Crompton, the ‘Voice Of V8s’, is also in the firing line.

Expect further fan uproar if Crompo is also dropped.

But is Supercars’ executive group listening – and do they care?

That they did not foresee the tumult that dumping the most popular personality of the telecasts would cause suggests that, at best, they are tone deaf to what the fans want.

Their huge reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly opposed to TV coverage without Larko’s informative and entertaining tutorials. If anyone welcomed his demise, we haven’t seen it.

Larko is not the first, and nor will he be the last, of the credible commentators to be sacrificed on Supercars’ alter of chasing new and younger viewers.

Diligent and devoted pit lane reporter Riana Crehan fell on her sword earlier in the month, announcing her departure on her own terms.

Crehan will likely be replaced by another female in some role, but her axing flies in the face of demands for more diversity in the media.

Gender shouldn’t be an issue at all, but while it still is, more women should be added to the Supercars commentary line-up, not just a substitute.

As AUTO ACTION has warned since October, there is a determination among Supercars senior management, led by Sean Seamer, to ‘dumb down’ the commentary and pit reporting.

We also concerningly understand ex-Supercars supremo turned Seven Network chief James Warburton also had a hand in Larko’s demise.

We’re told Warbo wasn’t a fan in his first full year as CEO in 2014 and made sure Larkham wasn’t on the Supercars Media broadcast team. Larko was rescued by Channel 10 as a contributor to ‘RPM’ from 2015-17 until recalled to the main broadcast – to popular acclaim – in ’18.

That decision was made after Warburton’s departure and before Seamer’s appointment.

“It’s the second time Larko’s been shot by Warbo,” an insider lamented.

Under the new five-year Fox Sports/Seven simulcast deal, Supercars’ decree is that tech talk is out, hype and happiness are in. Light, tight, bright is the new mantra. Or is it Less Techs, More Sex, emphasising glamour and glitz? Good luck with that…

The positions of established V8 oracles Neil Crompton, Craig Lowndes, Greg Murphy and Andrew Jones are, we are reliably informed, undecided.

It is understood Mark Skaife was also in the gunsights, but will continue as a co-commentator/analyst at Fox Sports’ insistence.

According to our informed sources, Crompton doesn’t have a deal for next year and beyond, with no resolution in sight until early next year.

There are strong suggestions his return is only a 50/50 chance.

Supercars TV without Crompo would be like F1 English-language commentary without Martin Brundle. He is the ‘Voice Of V8s’, with nearly 40 years as a broadcaster and expertise augmented by many years as a front-running, if not winning, driver.

Crompton knows of what he speaks and the vast majority of viewers – hardcore and casual – respect his in-depth approach

Lowndes’ return is likely, but not locked. He is the most popular face of Supercars and last year exceeded expectations as a desk analyst.

AA understands the discussion about his continuation is about returning to the hosting desk with Skaife and Jess Yates or staying in the pit lane, where he was clearly uncomfortable this year when he was at the track while Yates, Skaife and Crompton hosted remotely from the studio in Sydney.

We believe that Craig will only come back on the desk, with his on-going role as a Triple Eight co-driver making it difficult – and conflicted – to roam among the other garages.

With the broadcasts being totally simulcast on Fox Sports and Seven, the hosting panel is a conundrum.

While Seven may demand ‘Sunrise’ sports presenter – and established racing fan – Mark Beretta as a co-host, others see him as a pit lane reporter.

We hear there is resistance from Fox Sports to have Beretta on the hosting desk.

A further complication is that Yates may not be available early in the season.

The pit lane reporting line-up is up in the air, although ex-racer Andrew Jones is expected to return after his strong performance in the lane this year.

The uncertainty surrounding Trans-Tasman travel restrictions is also likely to rule out Murphy again, even though his pit lane punditry is popular with Kiwi viewers.

Also in contention is Paul Morris, whose no-nonsense, often simplistic analysis has struck a chord with Supercars execs.

Former Hi-5 children’s TV presenter Charli Robinson – as exclusively revealed by AA – is in the mix, although we hear fan backlash – ironically – have introduced some doubts about her inclusion.

Support race and SuperScreen commentators Chad Neylon and Matt Naulty are being considered for more prominent main broadcast roles.

“There is a huge, huge push to change it all,” an insider told AA. “Supercars wants a new audience and see younger on-air talent as the way forward.

“Which is all very well, but what about substance?”

There has also been talk that Seven wants to introduce AFL identities into the broadcasts to cross-promote its Aussie Rules coverage, which is also shared with Fox Sports.

For more of the latest Supercars news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media FacebookTwitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.