Key players in the V8 Supercars paddock have paid tribute to the efforts of Tony Cochrane following news that he will leave his post as executive chairman of the company before the end of the season.

Cochrane has played a leading role in the category’s growth since beginning his involvement 16 years ago.

Below are a selection of tributes made by leading members of the industry, past and present.

Chief Executive Officer of V8 Supercars, David Malone:

“Tony has been a strong force in the development of V8 Supercars, and this is widely acknowledged by everyone who has followed the incredible growth of the sport as a whole. I would like to thank him for his indelible contribution to the sport and business of V8 Supercars.”

Owner of Triple Eight Racing Engineering, Roland Dane:

“Tony took the initiative back in 1996 to pick this sport up and take it to new levels of awareness in the mass market here in Australia.

“His vision and leadership have been the principle reasons why we have enjoyed such huge growth over the years and I personally thank him unreservedly for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”

Owner of Brad Jones Racing, Brad Jones:

“Tony Cochrane is synonymous with motor racing in Australia and without his vision, enthusiasm and drive the milestones V8 Supercars has been able to pass both domestically and on the world stage would not have been reached.

“Every person who has more than a fleeting interest in Australian Motorsport should be eternally grateful to Tony for his contributions to our sport as am I.”

Owner of Dick Johnson Racing, Dick Johnson:

“Undoubtedly Tony has done and awful amount from day one – I remember our first meeting at the Ritz Carlton at Double Bay hotel in Sydney. Tony delivered the SEL plan. He had an extremely good eye for people. Probably the best team V8s had was Tony Cochrane and Wayne Cattach. Between them, they actually bought the business forward. We as team owners had gone as far as we could.”

Former V8 Supercars CEO, Wayne Cattach:

“I think it’s the end of an era. No one can take away from Tony what he has contributed to V8 Supercars. It was his baby, he put it on the map. He had a grass roots passion for the sport. He is to be commended for all of that.

“I always felt that when Archer (Capital) became the major shareholder in the category that would make it constrictive for Tony – he is an entrepreneur  – and needs some room to move. Archer, by their nature, need a more disciplined approach. So I am not overly surprised that is has run its race. I am sure Tony can still be of use as a consultant. He is probably still able to add value.”