Australian motorsport mourns death of much-loved ‘titan’ Garry Rogers aged 80

The Australian motorsport community is mourning the death of much-loved “titan” Garry Rogers.

The 80-year-old died on Thursday morning as the Supercars paddock gathered for this weekend’s Gold Coast 500, with a minute’s silence to be held before Saturday’s race.

A former driver and car salesman turned team owner, Rogers’ outfit won the Bathurst 1000 in 2000 with Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna behind the wheel.

The Supercars Hall of Famer’s eponymous team, now managed by son Barry, mourned their leader on Thursday.

“Today we’re mourning the passing of our founder and leader Garry Rogers. But more than that we’re celebrating his incredible life,” Garry Rogers Motorsport wrote.

“His mantra was always to press on and get on with things, and that’s exactly what we will be doing. Garry was an amazing man with a deep love for his family, his horses and his motorsport.

“He lived a fast life, but always had time for his family, his kids and his grandchildren. He put others first and was generous with his time and in so many other ways.

“Garry was a strong supporter of the Fred Hollows Foundation — if you’d like to donate in memory of Garry, we’d be so very appreciative.

“Our thoughts are with Garry’s family, his wife Kaye, son Barry and daughters Michelle and Krissie. Rest in peace, Garry Rogers.”

Tander said it was “a sad day for Australian motorsport”.

“A titan of the industry, that knew how to have fun while being as hard as nails,” he wrote.

“Learnt so much from this bloke, that I still use today. RIP GR.”

Tander and Bargwanna both began their Supercars careers with the team, with Rogers also handing debuts to Steven Richards, Lee Holdsworth and Jamie Whincup.

Future champion Scott McLaughlin made his full-time debut with Rogers and quickly became a race winner.

“Gaz, you were a tough bugger but you taught me how to be myself, to be comfortable with the media and the fans, to drive a race car without getting distracted by little things out of my control, to never give up,” McLaughlin wrote.

“You taught me how to treat the guys and girls on my team with respect and how to get the most out of them along with being tough. You made sure I looked after my girls and made sure I had a life off the track as much as I did on the track.

“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.

“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.”

Richards said his legendary family “have lost a lifelong friend”.

“A friendship that extends to when Jim and Fay first arrived in Australia to tackle the best drivers in the country. Garry was almost the first person to wander up and introduce himself to Dad,” he wrote.

“If not for Garry my own motorsport career would have been more difficult to start... if at all. He gave me that first opportunity. Garry was a dream maker to many drivers, engineers, mechanics and anyone that was lucky enough to work for him.

“I’ve been lucky enough to share many career highlights and incredible laughs with him. Our thoughts right now remain with Kaye, Barry, Michelle, Krissie and Garry’s extended family and friends.

“One thing is for sure. Garry wouldn’t want any of us to wallow around on his behalf but I know Garry will stay long and close in our thoughts.”

Supercars veteran Will Davison described Rogers as “a true character of our sport — the likes of whom we’ll never see again”.

“Someone who achieved so much both in motorsport and beyond. A proper old-school, tough old bugger with a unique way of getting the best out of people. Loved or hated, it worked,” Davison said.

“He had the respect of everyone and gave so many their shot in the sport. Garry could be tough with his words, but he cared deeply for his friends and team, and above all, he absolutely bloody loved this industry.

“Thank you, Garry, for your remarkable contribution and for being such an unforgettable icon. It’s been a pleasure to know you, and I’ll always be grateful for the way you went above and beyond for me during my junior years in Formula Ford. I was so proud to represent and wear your colours.

“Thinking of all Garry’s family and closest friends. RIP Garry.”

Peter Adderton said “we lost a legend today”.

“I’ve had a long history and a great relationship with Garry, going back to the Super Touring days,” the former Boost Mobile boss said.

“Personalities like his are rare in the sport now. As far as I’m concerned, he embodied everything that was right about Aussie motorsport, tough, fair, outspoken.

“We will all miss you, mate.”

Since exiting Supercars at the end of 2019, save for a farewell Bathurst wildcard the following year, Rogers focused on TCR Australia, Trans Am and the open-wheel S5000 series.

Trans Am organisers joined in the tribute to Rogers.

“Garry and his GRM team gave us the iconic 427 Monaro that thrilled us at the Bathurst 12 Hour, and countless laughs on the gird as he proudly walked around in Tutuss, flared pants or giant wigs with crazy sunglasses,” they wrote.

“He was a much-loved character and will be greatly missed by all.

“The Trans Am family send its condolences to Barry Rogers, the extended Rogers family and the team at Garry Rogers Motorsport. Vale Garry.”

Trans Am driver Elliott Barbour wrote: “Garry was a true racer, always presented fast cars and gave a lot of young talent a start in the sport. The last few years I truly got to see his passion for racing and nurturing talent firsthand, racing against GRM in Trans Am. RIP Garry.”