Elton Goonan has been appointed as MotorSport New Zealand’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Goonan has been fulfilling the role of acting CEO for the last 12 months following a coronavirus-induced restructuring of the governing body.
During that period, Goonan was instrumental in ensuring the sport continued to flourish out of Covid.
Part of his role included establishing and overseeing MotorSport New Zealand’s ‘Back in Motion’ plan.
‘Back in Motion’ blueprinted how domestic motorsport would run under different Covid-19 alert levels, including gathering restrictions and social distancing protocols.
“It has been a real honour and a privilege to have lead MotorSport New Zealand over the past twelve months,” said Goonan
I hope I can lead the sport in a direction to grow and remain relevant and sustainable during my time in the role.
“We have worked incredibly hard over the past twelve months to ensure we came out of COVID-19 in a good place to make sure we were able to take that next step on the other side.”
Goonan spent 15 years in Europe as a competitor and circuit manager.
When motor racing magnate Tony Quinn acquired the Hampton Downs motorsport park in 2015, Goonan was appointed as the circuit’s new track manager.
In that role, Goonan contributed to the growth and development of the facility, paving the way for what the circuit is today.
“Elton has been an absolute pleasure to work with over the past twelve months as our Acting CEO,” said MotorSport New Zealand’s President Wayne Christie.
“It’s exciting to have a new CEO at a time when the makeup of our sport is evolving.”
Goonan’s appointment as CEO is effective immediately.