Neil Crompton has confirmed he will no longer call Supercars races, ending a decades-long tenure in the commentary box as the category pushes ahead with a major broadcast reset under returning chief executive James Warburton.
As first reported by Speedcafe, Crompton has been moved aside as part of a broader refresh of the Supercars broadcast product, with co-commentator Mark Skaife also expected to be removed from his long-standing role behind the microphone.
The decision prompted a swift backlash from fans, with supporter Mark Doust launching an online petition calling on Supercars to reverse the move. The campaign has attracted more than 12,000 signatures in a matter of days, mirroring Doust’s successful 2021 push to retain Mark Larkham on the broadcast.
Crompton has since issued a statement to the petition page, confirming he is not retiring but remains undecided about whether he will accept a sharply reduced on-air role.
“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of the fans for their amazing support. I am truly humbled, thank you so much.”
“To clarify answers to some of the questions being raised…”
“I am not retiring. I love working, I love the sport of Supercars and intend to continue in some capacity in the sport for a long time to come.”
“Late last year Supercars advised me I will not be calling in the broadcast any longer, and although I am naturally disappointed, I totally respect the right of the senior management to make that decision.”
“There is the possibility of participating in a reduced role in the broadcast for two events later in the year. Part time work for 2 of 14 events, in a limited capacity, is a lot to digest.”
“So right now, I am undecided.”
“Big picture, nothing has changed. I’ve spent a lifetime loving Supercars, the competition, the people, the cars and I’m especially grateful for the endless passion shown by you, our fans, otherwise we’ve got nothing.”
“I’m positive about the future of the sport. The new three-way battle between GM, Ford and now Toyota will be fantastic for everyone.”
“Please know I am still vertical, healthy, fit and well (thanks for caring) and busy looking for new professional opportunities and remaining productive.”
“Thanks again – your support means a lot.”
The confirmation follows reporting first published in November, which detailed looming changes to Supercars’ commentary line-up and production model as part of Warburton’s plan to inject fresh energy into the broadcast.
That reporting flagged Garth Tander as a likely full-time addition to the commentary team following his retirement from Enduro Cup co-driving, alongside expected involvement from James Courtney and Mark Winterbottom. It also outlined speculation that Crompton and Skaife, the lead voices of the sport since retiring from driving in 2003 and 2009 respectively, were facing reduced or re-profiled roles.
The on-air shake-up is unfolding against the backdrop of a tightening free-to-air television footprint for Supercars.
The championship has confirmed that from 2026, just five rounds will be broadcast live on the Seven Network under its renewed deal with the Foxtel Group: the Sydney 500, NTI Townsville 500, Repco Bathurst 1000, Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 and BP Adelaide Grand Final.
A sixth event — the Supercars round held as part of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne — will again air on Network 10 under a separate arrangement outside the core Supercars contract.
The revised schedule confirms a reduction in free-to-air coverage, with the Betr Darwin Triple Crown losing its live slot from 2025, as the balance of coverage continues to shift toward subscription platforms under a new four-year broadcast deal valued at around $200 million in cash and contra.
Supercars has stressed that all races will be shown live, ad-break free during racing and in ultra-high definition on Foxtel and Kayo Sports, with Warburton defending the reduced free-to-air presence.
“It comes down to the streaming service needing exclusivity to drive subscriptions,” he said.
Despite the changes, Supercars claims around 43 per cent of its total broadcast hours will still air on free-to-air television — a figure it says is higher than comparable national sports. However, fans have been warned that Foxtel’s Friday exclusivity means any Friday races at designated free-to-air rounds will not be shown live on Seven.
The confirmation of Crompton’s exit, combined with a shrinking free-to-air schedule and an impending production overhaul, underlines the scale of change confronting Supercars as it reshapes how the sport is presented to viewers.
SOURCE: Speedcafe
Get rid of Skaife and keep Crompton.
😢
So with Jess being employed by foxtel, it’d make sense for them to employ crompo and keep him on their books, and he can still be part of the coverage, just not calling it?
Supercars – Warburton has no idea 🤷🏻♂️
Warburton is a dickhead no idea
supercars are dead
I’m out
About time
Dump Neal and mark and larko, plus the pit lane reporters.
Watch the decline in spectators, fans, and volunteers …….. can Supercars afford to shut down within a few months ?
We need topless grid girls calling the commentary, saying things like –
“did he run out of petrol?”
“is the wheel flat?”
Just saying 🤷
Jasa Brock hes to arrogant for that and skaife tells him what to do
Gave up when falcon & commodore left the series.
Should have been skaife given the arse not crompton !!
Can not stand. Skaife his to much of a ratbag !!
As a v8 race car supporter I won’t be watching it for the fist time since I was 5 now I’m 54 love Compton your the man of v8 racing
 Absolute idiots 
Good bye supercars RIP
What more do they want from a commentary person, he’s not biased, he’s passionate about the sport, does his homework, he’s knowledgeable and a great caller especially when things get aggressive and he’s approachable as well as being a good bloke
But they keep Skaife, the most biased, nose up their arse caller in the history of Motorsport