Jamie Whincup announces retirement plans for Triple Eight leadership role

Seven time Supercars champion Jamie Whincup has announced that he will retire from full-time competition at the conclusion of the current season to take up a team management role with Triple Eight.

Whincup, a winner of more than 120 races for the team during his long and successful career, will take over in the role of both team principal and managing director from Roland Dane; one of the original founders of Triple Eight back in the 1990s.

Dane will continue in his role until the conclusion of the 2021 campaign before standing down, although he will retain a part-time advisory role and will retain the position of chairman of the board of directors.

The team has also announced that Tony Quinn – businessman, racer and circuit owner – has taken a majority share in the team purchased a 40% stake. Whincup will increase his share in the business to 19%, with Jessica Dane holding a 30% stake. Roland Dane will retain 11% of the business.

“Firstly, I’d like to welcome Tony to the team,” Whincup said. “I have a massive amount of respect for him as a businessman and no one can doubt his passion for racing. Having him more invested in Supercars will be a definite positive for the sport.

“Secondly, I’ve always said that after I retire from full-time driving, I want to keep going racing and in 2018 I made the commitment for that to be with Triple Eight by becoming a shareholder. I’m honoured that Roland trusts me to lead the family that he’s built here in Australia.

“I’ll certainly maximise every opportunity this year and beyond to learn from him and I’m grateful that he will still be dedicating a portion of his time in 2022 to ensuring the team and I have the best opportunity for success. I have to thank everyone who has supported me during my driving career – family, friends, fans and partners. I’ll be giving my all to making sure we deliver the best results possible in 2021.”

Dane meanwhile said that he felt Whincup – who has raced for Triple Eight since 2006 – was the ideal person to take over the reins as the team heads into its new era.

“Since Jamie expressed an interest some years ago in continuing his career in motorsport with Triple Eight after he retires from full-time driving, the plan has always been for him to take the reins,” he said. “He has proved himself to be an integral part of the Triple Eight family during his 15 years here and has absolutely nothing to prove on track.

“I have every confidence that he will approach his new role with exactly the same motivation, diligence and competitive spirit that he brings to the track at every round.

“COVID-19 has reminded me that I’m not getting any younger and I’m looking forward to having more time on my hands to enjoy different forms of motorsport in different capacities and spend more time with my elder daughter in the UK, once the pandemic permits.

“Tony is an excellent fit for Triple Eight – he shares our passion for racing and innovation. We were flattered that someone of Tony’s pedigree was interested in buying into our business and his approach has helped us to cement our business succession. He’ll certainly be an asset to the team and we’re delighted to welcome him on board.”