As it happened: The chain of events building up to RACE’s confirmed acquisition of Supercars.
June 23 | First news emerges about possible sale, including the names Paul Morris and Mark Skaife (separately) after paddock chatter loudened at the Darwin Triple Crown |
June 25 | The identities of five high-profile figures working together on a leading bid are revealed, namely Morris, Peter Adderton, Pete Smith, Mick Doohan and Alan Gow |
June 27 | Skaife’s alliance with TLA Worldwide/TGI Sport becomes apparent, making for a key rival to the Adderton bid |
June 30 | The Australian Racing Group re-enters the scene as a player, having at least once before vied for Supercars ownership |
July 2 | Morris becomes the first contender to speak publicly about the race to buy Supercars |
July 7 | The deadline for opening bids arrives |
July 10 | Sean Seamer declares his intention to remain as Supercars CEO beyond a possible ownership transaction |
July 17 | The Bend, or Peregrine Corporation, confirms it is in the running to buy Supercars |
July 20 | An initial shortlist comes to light featuring Skaife/TLA/TGI, ARG, and an international entity, but neither the Adderton consortium nor The Bend |
August 5 | Jeff Grech publicly backs Skaife and TLA boss Craig Kelly’s bid, having worked with the duo at the Holden Racing Team in the 2000s |
August 7 | Nick Percat calls on Supercars’ next owners to reverse a push to introduce paddle shift as part of the incoming Gen3 regulations |
August 8 | A two-horse race becomes evident between ARG and Skaife/TLA/TGI |
August 10 | The Adderton consortium suddenly rejoins the battle, now teamed with the Brisbane Broncos/News Corp Australia |
August 16 | Fans have their say on who they want to buy Supercars, with ARG claiming a slender advantage |
August 19 | In a shock twist, the duelling contenders of ARG and Skaife/TLA/TGI agree to merge their bids |
August 20 | The Brisbane Broncos publicly confirm their interest in buying Supercars |
August 29 | It is reported that Supercars’ teams will agree to sell their collective stake in the business |
September 9 | Supercars team owners meet regarding the sale |
September 10 | Adderton officially withdraws from the hunt, clearing the way for last bidders standing TLA/TGI/ARG |
October 15 | Former IMG man Martin Jolly, a foundation figure in Supercars, is revealed as a secret figure in the TLA/TGI/ARG effort |
October 22 | Mark Winterbottom pleads with the incoming Supercars owners to create more blockbuster support cards like what will be seen at the six-day Bathurst 1000 this year |
October 25 | Sources indicate Seamer will stay on Supercars CEO for at least the first few months of 2022 |
October 28 | The deal is formally announced, at least for Archer Capital’s majority share. ARG, Barclay Nettlefold and Henslow are named as elements of the group now called RACE |