Leading V8 SuperTourers driver Greg Murphy believes that changes to the category’s management were necessary in order to secure the future of the New Zealand class.

It was confirmed this morning that operations manager Didier Debae has been appointed as acting Chief Executive Officer of the V8 SuperTourers.

The Belgian will become the official spokesperson for V8 SuperTourers, taking responsibility for public affairs and for all media comment.

The changes come after managing director Mark Petch was relieved of his position in light of recent comments made to local media on the issues of V8 Supercars’ new Pukekohe deal and the Australian class’s attempts to stop its drivers competing in the upcoming V8 SuperTourer endurance races.

The change does not affect Petch’s shareholding in the business.

Murphy says that any ill-feeling between V8 Supercars and V8 SuperTourers over recent events have now been resolved.

“There are no issues between V8 Supercars and V8 SuperTourers,” Murphy told Speedcafe.com.

“Statements made by one person in V8 SuperTourers is just one person’s opinion. It’s certainly not the category’s opinion, and we’ve taken steps to ensure that kind of stuff doesn’t happen again.

“We’re just plugging on and we need to respect what V8 Supercars has done. The Pukekohe deal (V8 Supercars’ new five-year deal) is going to benefit New Zealand motorsport as a whole. We just need to see the success that can be had if you do the right things.”

With more management changes expected to be introduced in the coming months, Murphy says that he sees some exciting times ahead for the class, but wants to see it grow at its own rate.

“There’s so many positives for SuperTourers, and there’s still a few things to be ironed out,” Murphy said.

“As a category, we’d be foolish not to look at how successful V8 Supercars have been and try to emulate some of the things that have attributed to their success.

“There’s a lot that still has to be done, and I think they’ll be some good things in the near future that will cement the category and its direction moving forward. I look forward to that, but we still have to walk before we can run.”

The next round of the V8 SuperTourers series will held at Taupo on September 1-2.