Supercars started the season with Neylon, Craill and Matt Naulty rotating through two rounds each in what loomed as a shootout for the coveted role.
Pitted against each other to succeed Neil Crompton as the voice of the sport, the trio are long-time friends and were determined to remain so through the process.
Supercars confirmed today that Craill will be in the position permanently from the upcoming Townsville 500, while Neylon and Naulty continue in supporting positions.
“Stoked for my buddy, Richard Craill, one of life’s great people,” wrote Neylon on social media following the announcement.
“We’ve shared the same journey, along with Matt Naulty.
“We’ve toiled and worked and networked our asses off across the country.
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“Craillsy is the best man for the job and I hope everyone gets around him, we’re all about to see just how good he is.”
Neylon had long loomed as Crompton’s heir apparent and until this year worked for the Hall of Famer’s media business.
“Am I disappointed? Yes, of course,” Neylon added.
“I’ve wanted to call Supercars my whole life but I also consider myself just so incredibly lucky to be a part of the sport I love.
“I travel the country with my friends watching car racing for a living, how is that even a job?!
“Plus there’s plenty in the broadcast for me to sink my teeth in to, as I take on more responsibilities around the grid and paddock walks. I love that stuff.
“I’m also excited about what the future holds.
“I’m keen to grow and expand into the other sports I’m passionate about and also build up my media training work, another thing I enjoy.
“There’s lots to be positive about but for now. Bring on Townsville.”
Craill impressed Supercars bosses with his work across the New Zealand double-header in April and was recently voted by Speedcafe readers as the best candidate.
The South Australian told the Daily Telegraph in the wake of today’s news that he’ll continue to bring his own style to the broadcasts.
“I’m not trying to be Neil, I would never try to be Neil,” Craill said.
“Neil is one of my broadcasting heroes, he knows that.
“The approach I took into the two New Zealand rounds I did is that I’m not going to do it any other way than the way I know how to do it, which is what I have been doing for 20 years.
“I’m not going to change anything, I am just going to be me.”
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