Supercars powerbrokers will begin a second CEO search in the space of a year, after veteran administrator James Warburton's immediate exit from the role.
Supercars officials confirmed on Thursday that Warburton had stepped down from the role, after only returning to the helm of the sport last July.
In a statement, Supercars said Warburton's exit was by "mutual agreement" with owners Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises (RACE), and "considered to be in the best interests" of the sport.
Warburton had been CEO of Supercars between 2013 and 2017, before a long stint in charge of Seven West Media before then returning to motorsport last year.
But he has not even lasted a full season, with Warburton's exit coming after the opening rounds in Melbourne and Sydney and ahead of a double-header in New Zealand.
“Supercars is a strong organisation with committed staff, passionate teams and partners, and significant opportunity ahead," Warburton said in a statement.
"I’m proud of what the team has achieved and the momentum that we have built for the sport in a short period of time.
"I wish the RACE board, our staff and the broader Supercars community every future success for this great sport.”
Warburton's time in charge was headlined by Neil Crompton and Mark Skaife being removed from the sport's broadcast team as part of an ushering in of new blood.
In the aftermath, Skaife in particular had been critical of the decision.
In Thursday's statement, RACE chair Barclay Nettlefold confirmed he would assume Warburton's responsibilities with executive oversight while a search begins for a replacement.
"James brought deep experience, energy and commitment to the role, and his return to the business was driven by a genuine belief in the sport and its future," Nettlefold said.
"We are grateful for the work he has done over the last year and wish him every success in his next endeavour. As a board, we remain focused on maintaining momentum and execution as the organisation moves forward.”
