Barry Hay departs from Porsche Motorsport Australia

Barry Hay has resigned from his position as the Motorsport Manager of Porsche Cars Australia with immediate effect. Hay, who took on the role in February 2022, has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Porsche's motorsport activities in the country.

Before joining Porsche Cars Australia, Barry Hay built a solid reputation in the Supercars pit lane. He held key positions at Stone Brothers Racing, Erebus Motorsport, and Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport. His extensive experience in these roles paved the way for his appointment at Porsche, where he was tasked with overseeing the prestigious Porsche Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge championships in Australia.

During his tenure at Porsche Cars Australia, Hay played a crucial role in expanding the reach and influence of the brand's motorsport division. One of his notable achievements was facilitating the expansion of the Sprint Challenge to New Zealand earlier this year, marking a significant milestone for the championship.

John Murray, the Director of Marketing and Motorsport for Porsche Cars Australia, acknowledged Hay's contributions in an official statement. "Porsche Cars Australia shares the news that after two and a half years leading the Porsche Motorsport team in Australia, Barry Hay has resigned from his position as Motorsport Manager, with immediate effect," Murray said. "We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Barry for his contributions to both Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge."

Murray highlighted Hay's influence on the motorsport landscape for Porsche in Australia, expressing gratitude for his efforts and wishing him well in his future endeavours. "Barry has been instrumental in shaping the motorsport landscape for Porsche in Australia and we wish him all the best in his new endeavours," Murray added.

Hay's departure comes at a critical time, just a week before the third round of the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season in Darwin. The sudden change in leadership raises questions about the immediate future of the championship and the strategic direction of Porsche's motorsport activities in the region.

John Murray assured stakeholders that the process to find Hay's successor will commence soon. "Shortly we will commence the recruitment process to identify a successor for Barry," he stated. The search for a new Motorsport Manager is expected to be thorough, aiming to find a candidate who can continue the momentum built under Hay's leadership and take Porsche Motorsport Australia to new heights.

Barry Hay's legacy at Porsche Cars Australia is marked by his dedication to elevating the standards of motorsport management and competition. Under his guidance, the Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge not only grew in terms of participation but also in the level of competition and professionalism. His strategic vision and operational expertise have left a lasting impact on the championships, setting a high bar for his successor.

As Porsche Cars Australia embarks on the search for a new Motorsport Manager, the focus will likely be on maintaining the momentum in both the Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge. The new leader will be expected to build on Hay's achievements, further expanding the reach of these championships and enhancing their reputation.

The upcoming third round of the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season in Darwin will be a pivotal moment for the team and the drivers. Despite the sudden leadership change, the championship is expected to proceed with the same level of competitiveness and excitement that fans and participants have come to expect.