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Teams open to Supercars’ global push

Warburton speaks with Tim Edwards

By Thomas Miles

New Supercars CEO James Warburton has already made headlines by revealing the category’s bold idea of international expansion, and the teams are not entirely opposed to it.

First revealed in the pages of Auto Action Premium, Warburton revealed a plan to launch an international championship that runs in parallel to the Australian series we know and love.

He backed it up at last weekend’s Perth Super440 where teams also reacted to the news.

Critically, the team came to the idea with an open mind.

Triple Eight’s Jamie Whincup welcomed the initiative to think outside the square and wanted to explore it.

“It’s a bold plan by James, but that’s a good thing,” he said.

“I think we’ll be open to bold plans, and if we can make it happen, make it happen.

“A five-round Asian series sounds exciting.

“Put some turbo charges on, a bit of NOS, you know, a bit of fast and furious stuff, and off we go, it’ll be fantastic.

“It’s a bold plan, but it’s a good one. Let’s explore it.”

Ford rivals Tim Blanchard and David Cauchi are not against it, but feel it cannot be at the detriment to the Australian series.

“It’s a good and interesting concept,” Grove Racing’s Cauchi said.

“There’s a lot to flesh out, if that were to happen.

“Making the championship strong in Australia, though, probably needs to remain the focus.

“Australian fans love our sport. It’s the premier category in the country, and we need to make sure it remains that first and foremost and looking after our sponsors that invest a lot of money here in this country.”

“We need to keep focused on growing the series here in Australia, but we also need to keep an eye on growing the sport,” Blanchard said.

“I think it’s a great initiative, and if executed well, which I’m sure will be, it’d be great for the sport.

“A lot to work through, but excited for the concept.”

Image: Peter Norton Epic Sports Photography

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