Triple Eight announces new ownership

Triple Eight Race Engineering has announced leading businessman Tony Quinn has become a major shareholder in the champion team.

Quinn, one of Australia's leading businessmen and entrepreneurs, notably founded pet food company V.I.P. Petfoods and revitalised Australian confectionery icon Darrell Lea.

The news also coincides with Roland Dane stepping back from his roles as Managing Director and Team Principal at the end of 2021.

Seven-time series champion Jamie Whincup will also retire from full-time driving at the end of the new season, and will take over as Managing Director and Team Principal from 2022.

It comes just weeks after the Grove Group bought into Kelly Racing, with the team renamed Kelly Grove Racing.

Quinn has purchased a 40 per cent stake in Triple Eight, which has been the series' benchmark team for over a decade.

Dane will retain an 11 per cent shareholding in the team, with Paul Dumbrell and Tim Miles selling their shares to Quinn.

However, both Dumbrell and Miles will retain an alternate position on the Triple Eight board of directors between them.

A competitor, sponsor, circuit owner and category owner in multiple disciplines around the world, Quinn is no stranger to motorsport.

From Porsche Carrera Cup, Australian GT and Aussie Racing Cars Championship, Quinn has enjoyed an extensive career across driving, managing, and ownership.

He owns two premier New Zealand circuits, Hampton Downs in the Waikato, and Highlands in Cromwell, Central Otago.

Quinn's Hampton Downs venue recently hosted the New Zealand Grand Prix for the first time, with the race won by Triple Eight Supercars ace Shane van Gisbergen.

He has has competed three times in Pikes Peak in the United States, has participated in the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, and has recorded five Nurburgring 24hr starts.

However, Quinn's investment into Triple Eight marks his biggest step yet in the Australian motorsport landscape.

He will not have a full-time role in running Triple Eight, and his investment is separate to sponsorship.

There are also no plans in place for Quinn's other companies to have involvement with the team.

"We're delighted to welcome Tony to the Triple Eight family," Triple Eight Commercial Operations Officer Jessica Dane said in a statement.

"Over the past two decades, he's established himself as one of Australia's leading businessmen, remodelling and growing household names including V.I.P. Petfoods and Darrell Lea with astounding success.

"We are flattered that someone of his pedigree approached us and sees Triple Eight as the most worthwhile investment in Supercars.

"He's also a known figure in the racing industry, where his passion has seen him tick boxes around with world as a competitor, sponsor, category owner and circuit owner.

"He will undoubtedly be an asset to the team."