The CAMS Australian GT Championship has appointed experienced motor sport manager David Vervaart as its new category manager.

After working in a variety of motor sport roles in Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA, the Tasmanian-born Victorian enters the position with more than 30 years of experience. 

Vervaart’s impressive resume includes work in the operation and development section of motor sport categories, whilst also enjoying time as a circuit manager, a team manager and a driver manager. 

Australian GT category owner Jim Manolios believes Vervaart can improve the development and success of the championship. 

“Looking forward from the foundations that were laid over the last seven years, it was important to take the next step in the development of Australian GT with an experienced hand at the helm,” Manolios said. 

“CAMS shared my view in that, and were keen to meet and endorse David in the role, as we all look to re-establishing Australian GT as one of the premier categories in Australian motor sport. 

“We have some big plans for the coming seasons, but we also need to work more closely with the stakeholders of Australian GT to ensure we achieve the best result that we can moving forward.

“For us, this new appointment signals the start of the next chapter in Australian GT, and we’re very excited about what’s ahead.”

With Vervaart most recently working in motor sport retail where he dealt with fleet and dealer sales for a major Australian automotive group, the former Commercial Manager in one of Australia’s leading Supercars teams believes his experience will help him significantly in building the category’s sustainability.

“Having been a part of almost every angle you can approach the sport from - I can honestly say I am better prepared than ever to assist with the growth of Australian GT, and excited by the prospect of what’s to come,” Vervaart explained.

“Having been involved with the SRO organisation over a 20 year span, and having seen the way the category has both evolved and recently re-energised, gives me the comfort of knowing there is nothing wrong with the model, and that GT3 still remains one of the most vibrant and successful categories of motor sport worldwide. 

“I have already spoken with some of the stakeholders, and over the coming weeks will make direct contact with all of them to get a better picture of what we need to do to get the championship flourishing again.

“I have no doubt that it will do just that over the coming seasons with the right ideas and the right kind of communication.” 

Vervaart will officially start his new role on 25 March, his first event to be the CAMS Australian GT Championship’s second round at Barbagallo Raceway on 4-5 May as part of Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.