Split sees Larkham out at WPS Racing.

By Matthew Agius

A team restructure has seen former racer and team owner Mark Larkham depart the role of Team Manager at WPS Racing only just over a month before the start of the 2007 V8 Supercar Championship Series.

WPS Racing's owner, Craig Gore, will take over Larkham's position in an interim capacity as the team searches for a replacement.

One of the top regarded brains in the paddock, Mark Larkham joined forces with Gore's WPS Racing team in 2006 after a merger with his own Larkham Motor Sport operation. After guiding the team to what was its most successful year in the category, Craig Gore thanked Larkham for his time at the team.

"Mark Larkham was a major contributor to the increased success of this race team in 2006," he said.

"He is part of V8 Supercar racing, but as we went down the road of a total restructure needed to take this operation to the next level, it evolved that Mark would not be part of the plan going forward.

"There is nothing acrimonious in this decision and we thank Mark for his contribution and wish him all the best in his future endeavours."

Larkham has apparently left the team on good terms, supportive of the 'joint-decision' to see him step down from the position of Team Manager at WPS Racing.

"I have enjoyed my time in motorsport and the challenges that we faced in 2006 in bringing both the WPS and Larkham Motor Sport operations under one roof," said Mark Larkham.

"As we embarked on the restructure it became evident that it was time for me to move on and look for new challenges.

"I want everyone to understand that I support this restructure 100 per cent and that Craig Gore and myself retain a terrific on-going business relationship and friendship.

"I have learnt a fantastic amount from Craig in the past 12 months as one of the country's smartest business minds and if I can contribute to the success of WPS Racing in the future then I would be more than happy to do so."

WPS Racing drivers Max Wilson and Jason Bargwanna will grid up at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide from March 1-4 - the opening round of the 2007 V8 Supercar Championship.