Long-time Supercars commentator Mark Larkham says he is "simply gobsmacked" by the reaction to his axing from the sport's TV broadcasts.
Supercars made the announcement on Friday that Larkham would not be part of the coverage in 2021, with the rumour-mill in overdrive that the coverage will be simplified in future to cater to a wider audience.
The axing has alienated the sport's hard-core fans, with an online petition calling for Larkham's reinstatement having already gathered more than 17,000 signatures.
The position of lead commentator Neil Crompton is also understood to be under review.
Between them, Crompton and Larkham gathered more than 62 per cent of the vote in a Speedcafe poll to identify the best presenter in Australia earlier this year.
The decision to axe Larkham drew criticism from Erebus team owner, Betty Klimenko, who said Larkham's ability to break down complex technical issues was unmatched.
"What is there to say, but worse (sic) decision ever," she wrote on Facebook.
"Larko has a way of making everyone comfortable, and his tech talk taught me, or should I say explained things, in a way I could understand, as it wasn't in a language only engineers understand.
"Sometimes I just nod, don't want to look like an idiot, and have been known to then run off to find Larko to explain it to me."
"The sport will be poorer by the lack of his presence, he brings energy and enthusiasm that can't be bottled."
In a statement to Speedcafe, Larkham said the reaction from fans was overwhelming.
"Although I am not a social media player, I have not been able to avoid the thousands of comments, the petition, and web pages regarding my departure from Supercars TV," he wrote.
"I am sitting here dropped on my arse simply gobsmacked as I write this, and with my hand firmly on my heart I am truly, deeply, deeply humbled. I teared up – s–t, how can one not be affected by the volume of comments and kindness – utterly blown away is an understatement. So, thank you.
"I both accept and respect Supercars position to pursue a different route and change the primary broadcast team, rightly or wrongly, they will have no other desire to do anything other than what they believe is best for the growth of the sport."
Free-to-air coverage of the series, which is produced by Supercars media, will move from Channel 10 to Channel 7 for 2021.
Larkham, who finished third at Bathurst in 1997 and took pole for the 1999 race, ran his own team until 2005 before moving into the media.
The 56-year-old said he'll continue to love the sport, while focusing on his video and content creation business.
"Amongst some current sadness, on a personal level your kindness has also meant the world to me, and made my weekend a much happier one," he added.
"More so, your comments have given me a very strong sense of fulfilment. Moving on now to the next chapter, knowing that, feels right, and matters to me, a lot, so again thank you.
"If in our professional life we seek to work hard, deliver an outcome, and that outcome gives people a little joy, and then they go out of their way to take the time to tell you that, well, what more could anyone possibly want?
"I really hope you'll continue to say g'day as we bump into each other in the street, I'd like that.
"Finally, can I ask one favour on the way out, please don't boycott any Supercars sponsors as is touted. I understand your passion, I really do, but like you, they are the lifeblood of the sport and the teams – so give those guys love."
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.