Long-serving V8 Supercars television general manager Scott Young has been axed just a year into the category’s $241 million broadcast deal.

A divisive figure in the V8 Supercars paddock, Young was officially informed of his fate following the weekend’s season ending Coates Hire Sydney 500.

Young’s career in motorsport TV production stretches back to the 1990s when he headed up Network Ten’s coverage of various categories until late 2007.

He took over the top job at V8TV from Murray Lomax at the start of 2011 and was officially titled as the company’s general manager of television and content.

Existing V8TV senior producer Simon Fordham has been named as Young’s replacement and will start in the role early next month.

V8TV produces the bulk of the content for both Fox Sports and Network Ten, which also employ their own hosts and production staff for extra coverage between track sessions.

It is currently unclear whether the shake-up will result in any changes to V8TV’s on-air talent, which is made up of commentators Neil Crompton and Greg Rust and pit reporters Greg Murphy and Riana Crehan.

Confirming Young’s exit, V8 Supercars chief executive James Warburton acknowledged his contribution to the sport.

“Scott Young has made an incredible contribution to V8 Supercars Media over a number of years,” Warburton told Speedcafe.com in a statement.

“The television coverage of the sport is world class and Scott has played a key part in delivering that along with his very talented team.

“We wish him all the best and we’re delighted that Simon Fordham will move into the role.

“Simon has worked alongside Scott for the past five years and has been with the company for nine years and is ready to take the reins and continue to deliver a world leading product.”

In a letter Fordham wrote to colleagues, he confirmed he would start early in the New Year with the first task to find replacements for other positions made vacant in the media office.

“First order of business will be finding some fresh new faces to fill the vacating positions in our Supercars Media office,” Fordham wrote.

“As they are confirmed I will share the announcements with the group and I look forward to you all welcoming them to the team and sharing your wealth of experience.”