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V8 Ute Boss Steps Up To Board Level
Gary “The Boss” MacDonald has just been appointed to the Australian V8 Ute Racing Board of Directors, and will join regular competitor Ben Dunn as one of two Directors representing the Ford shareholders that race in the series.
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MacDonald will replace Denis Cribbin, who has decided to step down after representing the category as a driver, team owner, shareholder, and for the last 8 years, a Director.
“I put a lot of time into the Series since 2001, this would have been my ninth year, I’ve been on the Board since 2004, one of the original Directors along with Charlie (Kovacs), Macca (Ian McAllister), and Hunty (Graham Hunt). They all went a long time ago, I’m the only one that lasted this long. We’ve had a great time, we’ve bought the category a long way and Craig and Bill have done a brilliant job with good support by the board. I’ll still be around; I’m not sure in what capacity but hope to still be connected in some way.
“He’s (MacDonald) my man, if I had to pick a replacement, he would be the one, and I’m sure he’ll do a great job,” said Cribbin.
MacDonald was one of the original 9 V8 Ute competitors that debuted at the Clipsal 500 in 2001, and still races competitively, winning Race 2 of the V8 Ute’s at Bathurst last October. The Sydneysider is looking forward to his new role in the Series.
“I was there at the very first round; I was part of the Utes when decisions were made to form the category and to move forward. The fact that I’m still there racing is testament to the category. I’m looking forward to building on that foundation to further strengthen the category for now and the future,” said MacDonald.
A successful businessman in the interior design and fit out industry, MacDonald raced full -time in the V8 Ute Series in 2001 - 2003, 2007/2008, with one off drives from 2009 – present. He claimed the Bathurst round win in 2009.
He also raced in the V8 Supercar Development Series in 2004 and 2005 and a number of times in the Bathurst 12 Hour Enduro Event. He claimed third overall in the V8 Supercar Rookie of the Year to former V8 Ute drivers Dean Canto and Warren Luff.
The father of two also drove in the Australian Production Car Championship, Khumo Australia challenge, Australian Performance Car Championship and held the lap record at both Phillip Island and Mount Panorama in a V8 Ute.
His long term history as a competitor and team owner will be invaluable in helping the V8 Ute Board shape the future of the category.
The V8 Ute Board comprises 2 Ford and 2 Holden shareholder representatives, and an Independent Chairperson. Kim Jane and Andrew Eglinton are the Holden representatives, Dunn and MacDonald represent Ford, and former CEO of Auto One Peter Henry is the Independent Chairperson to the Board. The 32 shareholders (16 Ford and 16 Holden) all vote for representation on the Board, and on the Technical Advisory Panel, which gives input to the Board on the technical direction of the Series.
The Australian V8 Ute Racing Board is very active in the decision making and future direction of the Series, while the day to day administration of the Series is managed by SPHERIX, a motorsport consultancy Company owned by Bill West and Craig Denyer.
The V8 Utes Series consists of 32 Ute field made up of 16 Ford and 16 Holden’s. The Series has been in action since 2001 and is televised nationally through Network Seven.
Ronald McDonald House – South East QLD is the Official Charity to Australian V8 Ute Racing. Ronald McDonald House is dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families and provided vital help to over 75,000 families through a wide range of programs.
PaddockTalk Perspective
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