SRO Establishes Dedicated Organization in Australia

Photo: SRO Australia

SRO Motorsports Group has established a dedicated organization in Australia with the announcement of key management to its team ahead of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS season in 2024.

The new company, to be known as SRO Motorsports Australia, will be under the leadership of Ben McMellan as CEO, who will oversee operations of Fanatec GT as well as GT4 Australia.

McMellan was previously head of category operations for ARG, which included Fanatec GT, TCR Australia and other domestic categories. He has also worked with the single-make Porsche Carrera Cup Australia series.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ben to lead our dedicated Australian business,” said SRO founder and CEO Stephane Ratel.

“Ben is well known to both our SRO global team and Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia customers. He has been instrumental in assisting with the establishment of our Australian business.

“He has demonstrated his commitment and capability and built strong relationships with the broader team. We look forward to seeing GT racing continuing to grow in Australia under his leadership.”

McMellan added: “I thank Stephane for the opportunity, and I look forward to working with the team both here in Australia and SRO more broadly to deliver a quality platform for our teams, drivers, and sponsors.

“We have some very exciting new additions as part of the 2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Championship to be announced.”

Additionally, Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli series manager Abi Hay has been named head of sporting and business development and will move to Australia as a result of her new role.

Charise Bristow, meanwhile, will continue in her role as Fanatec GT championship manager.

With the appointments, SRO has replicated the same management structure it has utilized in Europe and America.

2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS Schedule:
Feb. 16-18 — Bathurst 12 Hour (Fanatec Cup)
April 12-14 — Philip Island
May 31-June 2 — The Bend Motorsport Park
Aug. 2-4 — Queensland Raceway
Sept. 6-8 — TBC
Oct. 18-20 — Sydney Motorsport Park (Endurance)
Nov. 8-10 — Bathurst International

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John