Supercars heavyweight Burgess pleads guilty to drink driving
By Auto Action
Date posted: 28 September 2023
One week from the biggest race of the year, Supercars head of motorsport Adrian Burgess has pleaded guilty to drink driving and has had his licence disqualified for six months, in addition to a $1200 fine.
It has been reported on Thursday afternoon by the NEWS CORP press, that Burgess was seen “staggering” to his car by a Hope Island Report security officer around 23.00 AEST on August 11.
The Southport Magistrates Court was told the security worker followed Burgess, who drove a short distance home before reversing into his garage back wall.
Burgess was arrested and taken to the Coomera police station after refusing a breath test and later recorded a 0.171 blood alcohol concentration reading.
He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of liquor and failing to provide a specimen of breath.
Given the potential reputational damage to Supercars, Burgess’ future as the head of motorsport could be clouded after it is believed the issue has been raised during today’s RACE/Supercars board meeting.
If this is the case, a potential ready made replacement could be Tim Edwards, who has recently announced he will depart from the top job at Tickford.
Burgess’ lawyer Nick Hatcher said the Brit was under a great deal of stress at the time dealing with the fourth anniversary of his wife’s passing.
“He was struggling a bit that day and also dealing with his daughter in the UK she was struggling a bit, and he went out and had a few drinks,” said Hatcher.
“His behaviour on the night was unacceptable and he accepts that.”
Burgess has been the head of motorsport since 2018 and oversaw the roll out of Gen3 this year.
His career in the game has gone over three decades, including stints at McLaren and Jordan in Formula 1.
In 2007 he moved to Australia and managed Dick Johnson Racing before high profile stints at Holden heavyweights Triple Eight (2001-2013) and Holden Racing Team (2014-2017).
After a short time with Tekno Autosports Burgess has been head of motorsport for Supercars since December 2018.
The news arrives just a week before the Bathurst 1000 begins on Thursday, October 8.
UPDATE – SUPERCARS TO BURGESS NEWS
“Supercars is aware that Adrian Burgess has appeared in Southport Magistrates Court due to an incident involving driving under the influence of alcohol,” a Supercars spokesperson said.
“Adrian has been addressing the matter and has provided remorsefulness, transparency, and honesty since the incident.
“Supercars continues to work with Adrian in regard to this matter.”
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