The Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) has appointed noted sports administrator Glenn Matthews as its chief executive officer.

The appointment is one of the most significant in Australian motorsport.

Mr Matthews has been CEO of Penrith Panthers' Group for the past five years.

Penrith Panthers is the biggest club brand in NSW with more than 140,000 members and 14 venues throughout the state.

ARDC president Andrew Leithhead said Mr Matthews, 49, would take charge of the development of the Eastern Creek International Raceway in Sydney's west.

"Glenn has outstanding credentials in assisting the expansion of facilities to the benefit of the broader community," Mr Leithhead said.

"The Penrith Rugby League complex has grown to become a major participant in community activity.

"The role of our new ARDC CEO will be to develop Eastern Creek International Raceway for the good of a wide range of potential stakeholders as well as motor racing."

Mr Leithhead said the ARDC's vision was for Eastern Creek to become a centre of driver-training excellence and local area activities, as well as motorsport.

"Eastern Creek remains one of Australia's pre-eminent permanent circuits and it is ARDC's intention also that it should maximise its potential," he said.

Mr Matthews will join the Australian Racing Drivers Club on July 1.

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