The bombshell news, exclusively revealed by Speedcafe, has now been confirmed by Supercars with Warburton stepping down ahead of the New Zealand swing.

He will be replaced as CEO by Nettlefold, who is already the Chairman of Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises, which owns Supercars.

Details of the split between Warburton and the series are yet to fully come to light, although the announcement from Supercars said the decision was reached by “mutual agreement”.

“Supercars is a strong organisation with committed staff, passionate teams and partners, and significant opportunity ahead,” said Warburton.

“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.”

Nettlefold’s CEO role is on an interim basis with the RACE board to begin searching for a Warburton replacement.

“On behalf of the board, I want to sincerely thank James Warburton for his leadership and contribution to Supercars,” said Nettlefold.

“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.

“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.”

This marks the end of Warburton’s second stint at the helm of Supercars.

He was initially CEO between 2013 and 2017 before making a grand return to the role last year.