Ownership changes at Triple Eight

Triple Eight Race Engineering has welcomed Earl Evans and Steve Blackmore to the team, having purchased Jessica Dane’s 30 percent share of the championship-winning Brisbane-based outfit.

Both Evans and Blackmore have established themselves over the last two decades as some of Australia’s most distinguished businessmen, holding the CEO roles of their respective businesses, Shaw and Partners Financial Services and Southern Cross Truck Rentals. They are both avid motorsport fans, sponsoring various motorsport teams and drivers through their respective business portfolios. Both bring extensive experience as proven business operators, having navigated numerous economic cycles.

Dane spent 15 years in various roles at the team, which included positions in sub-assembly, team coordinator, communications manager and team manager. She became a co-owner of the team in 2015, before relocating to the United States at the end of 2023 where she currently holds the position of Motorsports Integration Manager at General Motors.

The restructured shareholdings sees Jamie Whincup, who bought into the business in 2018, retain his 30 percent ownership in the team, and well as Tony Quinn who retains his 40 percent stake. Former Triple Eight owner and managing director, Roland Dane, will remain as the team’s non-executive chairman.

“I’m thrilled to announce these exciting strategic changes as it prepares Triple Eight for the next phase of growth,” said Whincup.

“Firstly, we can’t ignore Jess’ enormous contribution to the team over her incredible tenure. She has been an invaluable member of the Triple Eight family since day dot working in all facets of the business. We understand Jess’s commitment to her career aspirations in the US, and we know she will always remain connected to the foundations her father RD (Roland Dane) built.

“In saying that, we are thrilled to welcome Earl and Steve to our shareholder group. Their wealth of business experience will enhance our team and support our continued evolution, strengthening our current programs and engaging new opportunities. Their passion and expertise align perfectly with our vision for the future, and I’m excited to see where we can take it.”

Jessica Dane added: “This has certainly been one of the most difficult decisions of my life. I’m incredibly proud of what Triple Eight has achieved over the years and honoured to have been able to play a small part along the way. However, I know it’s the right decision. While I’ve lived in the US, I’ve hated that I can only give a fraction of my time, energy and capacity to a team that means so very much to me.

“Some of my earliest memories are at British race tracks in the mid-90s watching the Triple Eight Race Engineering Vauxhall Vectras cutting laps in the British Touring Car Championship. The team has literally been in my family since those days! Additionally, I need to be able to give my all to settling into life in the US and every obligation I have in Australia detracts from that, which I don’t feel is fair for Triple Eight.

“I am delighted that two such passionate people in Earl and Steve are joining Triple Eight. While their business experience is undoubtedly an asset for the board of directors, I felt very strongly that the team deserves people who care about the success and longevity of motorsport as a whole.

“I am very grateful to them for this opportunity to hand 30 percent of Triple Eight over to people who I know in my gut want the best for the sport, as well as every single member of the team, present and past, who has contributed to some of my very best life memories.”