Queensland’s leading drag racing facility, Willowbank Raceway has appointed experienced event operations manager, Tony Manson in its role of Chief Executive Officer, set to begin on October 1.

The newly created role will focus on all track and event management duties, whilst reporting to the Willowbank Raceway Management Committee. Previously, the track had employed a General Manager – Steve Bettes – who parted company with the organisation earlier this year.

Manson comes to Willowbank with over 30 years experience in major event operations, much of it in the motorsport and extreme sports arenas. His CV includes acting as Operations Manager for V8 Supercars in the early 2000s, Special Projects Director for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and more recently Operations Director for Global Action Sports – the owners of Crusty Demons, Nitro Circus Live and the now defunct SuperX Supercross Championship. He also spent time as Commercial Manager for Craig Gore’s Team Australia ChampCar operation. He’s also been operating his own event management business, Helter Skelter.

“Willowbank Raceway is ready to surge into the future with fresh ideas and new events,” said Willowbank President, Tony Wedlock.“The appointment of Tony Manson to the CEO role is the final piece to the puzzle.

“A look at Tony’s resume clearly shows he has the expertise and the know-how in both business and motorsport to skilfully steer Willowbank Raceway into its next chapter and as such, we couldn’t be happier to be welcoming him to our facility.”

The addition of Manson to the management of the facility comes at a time where ANDRA has recently announced its first full January-December calendar, including a Grand Final event at Calder Park which, incidentally, will clash with the traditional date for the V8 Supercars season ending Sydney 500, which was also announced today.