PODCAST: Repco boss backs Supercars 2025 changes

Wayne Bryant is the CEO of the automotive division of GPC Asia Pacific – Repco’s parent company – meaning he is the man who signs the cheques for one of Australian sport’s biggest sponsorship deals.

Repco came on board as Supercars’ naming-rights sponsorship at the end of 2020 after Virgin Australia Airlines ended its deal following Covid-19.

The aviation industry was hit hard by the pandemic, so it was understandable that Virgin didn’t renew its naming-rights deal.

Repco jumped at the opportunity and has since extended its involvement until the end of 2028.

Bryant told Supercars Travel Race for the Championship podcast’s Allan Edwards that he is impressed with Supercars’ changes for 2025 and explained why he believes the arrangement is such a good fit for the Repco brand, but he also indicated that there is more that could be achieved.

“We are delighted with it,” Bryant said of the naming-rights sponsorship deal.

“It is a big investment. It is a really good fit for the Repco brand. The motor racing enthusiasts are well catered for by Repco.

“As a brand sponsor we connect with them through our DIY retail customer engagements. Many of the automotive technicians and workshop owners are motorsport enthusiasts so we have a direct connection with them through trade, and all of our suppliers and importantly our teammates are pretty much all motorsport enthusiasts, so there is a really good synergy there for the Repco brand being a part of Supercars.”

However, he sees an opportunity for the partnership to be leveraged to entice young talent into the automotive industry and to help fill the existing skills shortage of technicians and mechanics.

“I think there is more that we can do in attracting people to our industry. A lot of people who work in automotive are motorsport enthusiasts so I think Supercars and Repco can play a role there in how we can attract future talent to our industry through that platform,” he said.

Like many Supercars’ enthusiasts, Bryant says he is looking forward to seeing how the new for 2025 Finals Series plays out.

“I really like the way that the Supercars team have been thoughtful about the calendar… we go right to the end now in Adelaide and that will keep it really exciting and keep the teams engaged, keep the fans engaged. I really like the way that has come together,” he said.

Bryant is also pleased to see the return of James Warburton as the sport’s CEO from late July.

“It’s great to have James back in the CEO role. I’m also delighted for Shane (Howard) as he transitions out of the CEO role and into a Board position with RACE… all in all I think we are in a really good space.

“It (the sponsorship) has served us really well. We are keeping the energy up. Our team is activating really well and partnering really well with the Supercars team. We are really happy with our progress so far and we have a good way to go yet!”