Paul Cruickshank - Director
Paul Cruickshank is a native New Zealander who has spent most of his working life in motor sport organisations around the world, having spent time working in both hemispheres with some of the most decorated and respected teams in the industry.
Paul’s motor racing career started in 1987 with the Nissan New Zealand Racing Team (TNR).This was Paul’s first real racing job under the guidance of Ross Stone; co-owner of V8 Supercar Team Stone Brothers Racing.
In 1988 Paul joined Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) and spent 3 years as John Bowe’s crew chief. During this golden era DJR won Bathurst in 1989 and came second in 1988 and 1990. They also completed a 1-2 result in the 1988 and 1989 Australian Touring Car Championship.
Paul spent a valuable 4 years in the UK with West Surrey Racing, who at the time were the best Formula 3 team in the world, and indeed still hold records for races and championships won. During this period Paul worked with some of the greatest motor racing figures of our time including Rubens Barrichello, Pedro De La Rosa, Christian Fittipaldi, Max Papis, and many more.
Upon returning from the UK, Paul was asked to set up the Australian Motorsport Academy for 1980 Formula One World Champion Alan Jones and his associates. This logistically challenging task from idea conception to project conclusion was all achieved in 4 months.
Paul returned to the V8 Supercar series in 1995 with Gibson Motorsport (GMS). He spent 2 years at GMS as workshop manager and crew chief, which at the time was the largest race team in Australia. He was also in charge of all car build and development programs and headed up the Chassis Management Team.
Before establishing PCR in 2003, Paul joined Prancing Horse Racing (PHR) in its inaugural year in 2000. As General Manager Paul was responsible for setting up the entire operation taking it from 1 car and 3 staff up to 12 cars and 36 staff in just 12 months. PHR competed in several categories including V8 Supercars, Nations Cup and GTP class.
During that period Paul was also responsible for the build and development for the return of the Ford Mustang to racing in Australia since the 1970’s. This was a Ford supported effort and Paul reported and liaised directly with Ford management during this period. A Supercar was also built, raced and sold during the 2001 year. Paul worked with many great drivers at PHR including, John Bowe, Ryan Briscoe, Paul Morris, Brad Jones, Mark Noske, Craig Baird and Jim Richards. |
