Long-serving Supercars chaplain retires

Long-serving Supercars Chaplain Rev. Garry Coleman OAM has announced his retirement.

Rev. Coleman has been category Chaplain since 2002, and has been Chaplain at Bathurst events for 35 years.

The 2021 Repco Bathurst 1000 will be his final Chaplaincy.

Sydney-based Coleman will still be present as Chaplain to Sydney Motorsport Park and the new Sydney Speedway.

The 80-year-old will also continue his role of National Coordinator for Motor Racing Ministries-SCA, overseeing the 53 Chaplains across the Country.

Rev. Coleman’s foray into motorsport began at Amaroo Park, with his first Bathurst appearance coming in 1986 under the late Ivan Stibbard and the Australian Racing Drivers Club.

The following year, he branched out to Oran Park in Sydney through Tony Perrich and the circuit's operations team.

He also extended his services to Parramatta Speedway in 1989. He still serves in this role.

The Chaplain role with Supercars was formally launched and endorsed in 2002.

From there, Rev. Coleman travelled with Supercars across the country to participate at every event.

He also became the coach driver for the Smash Repair Team bus, travelling with Tony and Diane Warrener’s SRT squad for many years.

Chaplains are determined to offer services with no charge. Rev. Coleman has never received a wage for his Chaplaincy role.

Rev. Coleman's address in 2006 following Peter Brock's passing

Early on, he financed his Chaplaincy role by driving for Pioneer and Greyhound interstate express coaches, Hopkinson’s and Murrays to finance his Chaplaincy role.

He has also engaged as a specialist trainer or guest with young Chaplains on many occasions.

As Rev. Coleman prepared for life after Supercars, three other senior Chaplains have been added: Ian Young, Charlie Sandham and Steve Peach.

To 2021, there are 53 chaplains in motorsport across Australia, and an associate MRM chaplain in New Zealand.

The broader MRM team now cover almost every major motorsport event across the country.

"After 35 years travelling to the Mountain from our home in Sydney, it is time I spent more time at home with my wife Betty,” said Coleman, was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the 2010 Queens Birthday honours list..

"It has been an absolute privilege to serve the Motor Racing Community for over 35 years.

"Representative of Jesus, offering pastoral care, spiritual support and general people care in this great sport of motor racing.

"A clear highlight is the honour I’ve been given to lead a short prayer before the anthem at Supercar events, mainly at Bathurst, for some eighteen years.

"These prayers have been a reflection of my heart and my love for this community and a desire for safety and protection for all involved.

"Based upon my strong trust in the accuracy of the Bible, the historical research on Jesus and my personal relationship with Him.

"I will miss catching up with so many, many friends met over these years, but I will enjoy free to air TV and Foxtel watching from my own lounge chair."

The 2021 Repco Supercars Championship will resume this weekend at the ARMOR ALL Sydney SuperNight.

Tickets for the three upcoming Sydney events are on sale now.