Skaife may be set for V8 return

The Holden legend yesterday quit his post as V8 Commissioner in a move that opens the door for a driving return. Skaife yesterday announced he is standing down from the high-profile position after guiding V8 Supercars through a tumultuous period that has seen him spearhead the revolutionary “Car of the Future” program.

In his role of chairman of the V8 Commission, Skaife was instrumental in negotiating Nissan and Volvo’s return to the sport, as well as restructuring the V8 Supercars television department. Skaife was forced to abandon his driving career when he took up the role with the racing legend told he could have no “conflict of interest”.

But on the eve of the endurance season — with the Sandown 500 set to begin today — Skaife is now considering making a return for next year’s endurance races after deciding not to stand for re-election. Skaife is already being hunted by several teams and recently knocked back a drive with the Triple Eight-run Microsoft 2013 Bathurst wildcard entry with his role ruling out a dream Bathurst return.

There will be no such road blocks next year and the former Holden Racing Team owner and driver will be free to resume his assault on Peter Brock’s Bathurst record with Skaife needing three more Mount Panorama wins to equal the “Bathurst King”.

Skaife had tired of the politics of his role and will take up another position where he will still work with the V8 board as a strategic adviser. Strangely, Skaife will wield more power in his new role with the commission working under the V8 board that Skaife will now directly work alongside.

“I am enormously proud and honoured to have been the very first commission chair and of the incredible success of the new generation product which has led to the best racing in history,” Skaife said. “The commission has worked diligently to guide V8 Supercars through the Car of the Future introduction and in making decisive sporting recommendations to the board.

“At times there has been robust and passionate debate, but that has led to significant outcomes, making the commission a critical part of the overall governance of the sport. I thank each and every member of the inaugural commission for their support of me as chairman; and of the professional and meticulous work it has done. I look forward to stepping up within V8 Supercars in a broader strategic and business development role to assist James and the board through the next stage of growth.”

V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said Skaife’s tireless contribution had been invaluable and that he would assume the role of Strategic Business Development and as an adviser to the board. “Mark’s contribution as commission chairman has been exemplary,” Warburton said.