Gold Coast GM to leave

[Dov]

From Crash.net: http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view...id=3&nid=88422

TUESDAY 30TH MARCH 2004

James Ashworth has tendered his resignation as general manager for the Lexmark Indy 300, and also as director of IMG Motorsport, in order to focus on other areas of his personal ambition.

James O'Brien, in his role of event director, will oversee the Gold Coast-based Champ Car event on a daily basis until the board of directors confirms a full-time replacement.

Ashworth took up the role of general manager in March last year, and headed up the team working on the 13th annual event, which teams the visiting Champ Car series with the phenomenally successful Australian V8 Supercars around the streets of Surfers Paradise. He leaves the event - which had its most successful year in 2003, attracting a crowd of 306,184 - just a couple of months after speaking on behalf of OWRS' bid for ownership of the Champ Car series during the court battle for assets with the IRL.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working on Queensland's premier event, which has been extremely challenging and rewarding,” Ashworth said after tendering his resignation, "It was a career highlight to work on last year's Lexmark Indy 300 – the most successful in its 13-year history - and also to play a part in continuing the future of Champ Car racing.

“The event is in great shape and has a fantastic team to continue its resounding success. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented group of people.”

Ashworth said he will now take time out to focus on his career direction, complete his MBA at Macquarie University and base his family full-time in Sydney.

[stmookeyj033]

Won't affect our race, which could be one of the jewels in the crown of the series. There's enough good people that know motorsport that can keep the show on the road (at least until the contract expires in I believe 2008 unless voided).