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SRO confirms Australian CEO to lead 2024 team

By Timothy Neal

Date posted: 16 November 2023

The SRO Motorsports Group have confirmed the appointment of former TCR category manager Ben McMellan as CEO of SRO Motorsports Australia. 

McMellon will lead a highly experienced team including the recruitment of Abi Hay from SRO Europe as its Head of Sporting & Business Development, Charise Bristow as the GT World Challenge Australia Championship Manager, and Network R as its Communications and content team.

Stephane Ratel, Global CEO and Founder of SRO Motorsports, has confirmed the appointment of McMellan, who will oversee the SRO groups running of the GT World Challenge Australia and the new GT4 Australia series.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ben to lead our dedicated Australian business,” Ratel said.  

“Ben is well known to both our SRO global team and GT World Challenge Australia customers.  He has been instrumental in assisting with the establishment of our Australian business.  

“He has demonstrated his commitment and capability and built strong relationships with the broader team. We look forward to seeing GT racing continuing to grow in Australia under his leadership.”

The outgoing TCR category manager is excited to be a part of the ever expanding growth of GT racing in Australia.

“I thank Stephane for the opportunity, and I look forward to working with the team both here in Australia and SRO more broadly to deliver a quality platform for our teams, drivers, and sponsors,” he said.

“We have some very exciting new additions as part of the 2024 GT World Challenge Australia Championship to be announced.”

In addition, and in conjunction with Motorsport Australia, SRO Motorsports Australia has secured a high quality team of officials to support their trackside operations with announcements to follow shortly.

The schedule of events for the 2024 GT World Challenge Australia can be seen below, with all rounds to be a feature category of the Shannons SpeedSeries.

2024 GT World Challenge Australia calendar

Round 1: Bathurst 12 Hour – February 16-18 (Fanatec Cup)

Round 2: Phillip Island – April 12-14 (Sprint, 2 x 60 min)

Round 3: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park May 31 – June 2 (Sprint, 2 x 60 min)

Round 4: Queensland Raceway – August 2-4 (Sprint, 2 x 60 min)

Round 5: TBC – September 6-8 (Sprint, 2 x 60 min)

Round 6: Sydney Motorsport Park – October 18-20 (Endurance Cup, length of race TBA)

Round 7: Supercheap Auto Bathurst International – November 8-10 (Sprint, 2 x 60 min)

For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION or subscribe HERE

On this week’s Auto Action RevLimiter, we ramble on about Supercars. Why the finances don’t need a boost! What’s wrong with the calendar! Plus more!

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