Motorsport Mourns the Passing of Garry Rogers

The Australian motorsport community is mourning the loss of Garry Rogers, the respected racer, team owner, and mentor whose passion and personality shaped generations of Supercars competitors. Rogers passed away peacefully overnight at the age of 80.

Credit: Supercars.com

A Lifelong Racer

Rogers’ story in motorsport spanned more than sixty years. Beginning as a spirited Sports Sedan driver in the 1960s and 1970s, he went on to compete in touring cars, including fourteen Bathurst 1000 starts between 1978 and 1993. His time behind the wheel was marked by determination, ingenuity, and a love of competition that would define his later success as a team boss.

Building a Legacy with GRM

In 1996, Rogers founded Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM), a team that became one of the most respected in Australian Supercars. Known for its professionalism and family atmosphere, GRM’s crowning moment came in 2000 when Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna delivered a memorable Bathurst 1000 victory under challenging conditions.

Over two decades, Rogers’ team fielded some of the sport’s biggest names and played a key role in shaping the modern Supercars landscape. His organisation was renowned for giving young drivers a chance, often spotting raw potential before others did.

Credit: swadeology.com

A Mentor and a Character

Beyond trophies and lap times, Rogers will be remembered for his mentorship. He was instrumental in launching the careers of future Supercars champions including Tander, Jamie Whincup, and Scott McLaughlin. His belief in developing young talent set a benchmark for how teams could nurture future stars.

Rogers’ straightforward manner and humour made him a paddock favourite. He was as well known for his blunt honesty as for his generosity, always ready with advice or a story that reflected his deep love for the sport.

A Lasting Tribute

Supercars officials confirmed that this weekend’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 will include a moment of silence and tribute decals on all cars in his honour. Chief Executive James Warburton described him as “one of the most passionate, loyal, and colourful figures in Australian motorsport.”

Garry Rogers’ influence will continue to echo through the pit lanes and podiums of Australian racing. He was a racer, a mentor, a father figure — and a true legend of the sport.