Pover replaces Grace as Rockingham CEO.

Rockingham Motor Speedway has hired former Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Ashley Pover (right) to replace David Grace, who is stepping down from the helm of Europe's fastest Motor Racing circuit.

Pover will take over the day to day running of Britain's newest international sporting facility from outgoing CEO David Grace, who announced in July that he was leaving in the autumn, having achieved his goal of getting Rockingham 'up and running', to pursue a career in other areas of the motor sport industry.

Prior to arriving at Rockingham Ashley Pover spent fifteen successful years with Cantor Fitzgerald and Co, one of the worlds leading financial institutions. As Chief Executive of the London branch and then later CEO of the Toronto office, Ashley was responsible for several new financial product lines and building the company's presence on the European and world stage.

"I'm astounded by the quality of this world class facility, it should be a national treasure. Rockingham is now up and running and has staged some great racing in the past eighteen months. However, we now need to build the awareness of this international entertainment venue to a wider audience. Rockingham's strengths are not limited to motor racing, but this is going to become a wonderful family venue with a multitude of other forms of entertainment."

Having spent much time in Toronto, 42-year-old Pover returns to the UK married with three children. While Motorsport may be a new sphere for the Wembley-born Pover, he is a keen sportsman who plays competitive Ice Hockey.

Outgoing CEO Grace added, "This has probably been the most challenging two years of my working life, but it has been very rewarding in taking the business from a building site to something that actually works. I shall remain active within the industry and shall continue to promote Rockingham at every opportunity. I would like to wish Ashley and his team every success with the future development of the Rockingham brand."

Rockingham has also announced that Chairman Peter Middleton has stepped down after fulfilling the role for two years and will be replaced by Joe Dickinson, who has been a member of the Rockingham board since September 2001.