Photo: TCR Australia

Australian motorsport icon Garry Rogers passes away

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Australian motorsport icon Garry Rogers has passed away at the age of 80, having been involved in motorsport for more than 60 years.

“Supercars is deeply saddened by the passing of Garry Rogers, one of the most passionate, loyal, and colourful figures in Australian motorsport,” read a statement from Supercars CEO James Warburton.

“Garry was renowned for spotting and nurturing raw talent. The likes of Garth Tander, Jamie Whincup, and Scott McLaughlin — among so many others — began their Supercars journeys under his guidance.

“His eye for potential, his belief in youth, and his trademark straight-talking humour made him one of the most loved and admired team owners our sport has ever known.”

The Australian ran Garry Rogers Motorsport in the Supercars Championship from 1996 to 2019, claiming the 2000 Bathurst 1000 victory as one of their key achievements.

The team fielded Holdens from 1996 to 2013, before switching to the fan-favourite Volvo S60 from 2014 to 2016.

Scott McLaughlin, who is a IndyCar front-runner today, joined the team in 2013, kicking of a successfull career that would ultimately result in three titles with DJR Team Penske.

“I remember leaving to join Penske, you had nothing but good words and good wishes for me, always keeping in touch and texting me the right stuff whenever you knew I needed it. We regularly kept in contact and I’m forever grateful for that,” said McLaughlin.

“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, good or bad. He loved a Jameson, fair to say I’ll have a couple for you today.

“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’. “Until I see you again mate for a feed and a beer. Rest in Peace Chief Bro.”

Garry Rogers Motorsport entered cars in TCR Australia from 2019 and started design and construction of the new Peugeot 308 P51 TCR in 2024, most recently fielding it in the joint TCR Australia and FIA TCR World Tour round at The Bend earlier this year.

The team is currently headed by Garry’s son, Barry Rogers.

Supercars will honour Rogers during the Gold Coast race this weekend with an official moment of silence.