Australian motorsport mourns Garry Rogers. The legendary team owner and Supercars Hall of Famer who discovered champions like Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin has passed away at 80.

The world of Australian motorsport is mourning the loss of one of its most colourful, loyal, and enduring figures, Garry Rogers, who passed away overnight at the age of 80. The Supercars Hall of Famer leaves behind an immense legacy, having spent over six decades as a racer, team owner, and, most importantly, a mentor who launched the careers of numerous champions.

A Career Defined by Passion and Talent-Spotting

Rogers, affectionately known for his straight-talking humour and deep love for the sport, was the founder of Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM). Though he raced in everything from Sports Sedans to the Bathurst 1000 himself, making 14 starts at Mount Panorama as a driver his biggest impact was made as a team principal.

GRM competed in the Australian Touring Car Championship and Supercars Championship from 1996 to 2019, securing its most famous victory at the 2000 Bathurst 1000 with a stunning win by Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna. The team also took out both Bathurst 24 Hour races in 2002 and 2003.

Rogers’ remarkable talent lay in his ability to spot and nurture raw driving potential. The list of young guns who got their start under his guidance reads like a roll call of Australian racing success, including multiple Supercars champions and Bathurst winners such as Garth Tander, Jamie Whincup, and Scott McLaughlin.

Tributes Flow for a ‘Titan’

Tributes from across the paddock poured in immediately following the announcement. Supercars CEO James Warburton praised Rogers as “one of the most passionate, loyal, and colourful figures in Australian motorsport,” whose influence on generations of drivers was “extraordinary”.

Scott McLaughlin, who began his Supercars career with GRM, hailed Rogers, saying, “If it wasn’t for Garry Rogers I wouldn’t be where I am today, he gave me and so many others a shot to make it… Gonna miss ya, but I know you would be telling me, ‘Scotty – stop with the soppy crap and get on with the job right, good’.”
Garth Tander described him as “A titan of the industry, that knew how to have fun while being as hard as nails.”

The Garry Rogers Motorsport team confirmed the passing of their founder and leader, stating his mantra was “always to press on and get on with things, and that’s exactly what we will be doing.” They highlighted his deep love for his family and his steadfast support for the Fred Hollows Foundation.

Supercars will honour the late team owner with a minute’s silence before the upcoming Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 race. Garry Rogers is survived by his wife, Kaye, and his children. He will be remembered as a true racer’s racer and a legendary character whose presence will be deeply missed in the pit lane.

In Memoriam: The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to the Fred Hollows Foundation.