Australian Grand Prix Corporation poised for interim leader

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation will appoint an interim chief as the search to find a successor for Andrew Westacott continues.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s legal and general counsel manager Dale Nardella will step up as the stand-in as revealed by the HERALD SUN, while chief finance officer Anthony Connelly will perform as deputy.

Westacott leaves major shoes to be filled having fronted the corporation which stages the Australian Formula 1 and Motorcycle Grands Prix at Albert Park and Phillip Island respectively since 2011.

With 444,631 people squeezing into Albert Park in the first weekend of April, a record-smashing attendance was recorded in Formula 1’s second trip down under post COVID-19.

These figures leave the Australian Grand Prix Corporation in arguably better frame than ever as the hunt to find Westacott’s successor in the top job continues.

Nardella and Connelly will perform their respective roles in an interim capacity until a full-time leader is found.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Paul Little told the HERALD SUN the hunt for a new chief is “well underway” and should be finalised in the near future.

“Dale and Anthony both bring extensive knowledge of the Corporation and its priorities over the coming months to their respective interim roles,” Little said.

Despite Nardella and Connelly performing interim roles, they are not believed to be on a shortlist of candidates for the full time job.

Those leading the race to replace Westacott include former Formula 1 race director and current Supercars Commission chairman Michael Masi, plus non motorsport people such as AFL executive Travis Auld.

The 2023 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will be held on October 20-22.

Image: Motorsport Images

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