Red Bull Global Rallycross have announced that Tony Cochrane will join the series as a special advisor to the board.
Cochrane, who is director of International Entertainment Consulting, was previously Executive Chairman of V8 Supercars between 1996 and 2012 before selling the series for over $300 million.
His time with V8 Supercars led to many considering him the founding father of modern-era motorsport in Australia. Under his direction, the series’ broadcasts reached nearly 20 million people domestically as well as several countries outside of Australia. He also oversaw the series’ first overseas events.
In his new role, Cochrane will provide input in the areas of sponsorship and promotion, something in which he has vast experience.
Cochrane and his company have worked on in excess of 400 sport and entertainment events worldwide in the last quarter of a century, notching up 25 million ticket sales totalling $2 billion as well as putting together sponsorships worth a quarter of a billion dollars.
Speaking on the announcement of his new role, Cochrane said, “GRC is fantastic racing that appeals to a much younger demographic than traditional motorsport such as NASCAR“.
“The racing is action packed, and made for television but also brings a real excitement at these temporary circuits as well,” he added. “I can totally see why new manufacturers and teams are jumping in – its growth is going to be amazing!”
Red Bull Global Rallycross CEO Colin Dyne believes that the addition of someone with Cochrane’s wealth of experience will be a big part of the series going forward.
“Having access to Tony’s deep experience in managing one of the world’s premier motorsports series will be a great asset to the series,” said Dyne. “He is a true innovator, which perfectly compliments the GRC series as we continue to disrupt the traditional motorsports landscape.”
