Vale Wayne Cattach
Supercars is saddened to learn of the passing of Wayne Cattach, a visionary leader and former CEO whose contributions to the sport were instrumental in its growth and success.
Wayne's dedication, business acumen, and passion for motorsport left an indelible mark on our community.
Wayne's career spanned several decades, beginning with a successful tenure at Shell, where he held senior positions in Australia, the United Kingdom, and South America.
His foray into motorsport started when Shell Australia asked him to assist Dick Johnson Racing (DJR), marking the beginning of a long and fruitful involvement in the sport.
"Wayne's impact on Supercars cannot be overstated," said Supercars CEO Shane Howard.
“He brought a business-focused approach that transformed the sport's organisational structure and paved the way for its continued growth.
“His vision for a franchise system and his efforts in international expansion were groundbreaking.
“Wayne was a mentor and a friend, and his legacy will live on in the sport he helped shape."
Wayne was pivotal in forming the Touring Car Entrant Group of Australia (TEGA) and served on its board from its inception. His innovative ideas, such as the franchise system for team ownership, revolutionized the sport.
As CEO of Supercars, Wayne oversaw a period of remarkable growth, with an average annual increase of 18 percent and the introduction of V8 Supercar television, among other achievements.
One of Wayne's most notable accomplishments was taking the championship to Asia, racing in China. Despite the challenges, this event stands as a testament to his perseverance and vision.
Wayne's tenure at Supercars was marked by his collaboration with Tony Cochrane, forming a dynamic duo that propelled the sport to new heights.
Even after leaving the sport, Wayne's influence remained, stepping in to assist DJR during challenging times and ensuring its continued success.
In his later years, Wayne continued to contribute to various fields, including serving as the chairman of a medical company focused on skin cancer prevention.
Wayne Cattach's legacy is one of innovation, dedication, and profound impact.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and by the entire Supercars community.
Our thoughts are with Wayne's family and friends during this time. Supercars will honour Wayne Cattach’s legacy at next week’s NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint.
DJR Team Principal Ryan Story also released a statement, with quotes attributed to Johnson, saying: "It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Wayne Cattach this morning.
"As CEO of DJR, he changed our team. As CEO of V8 Supercars, he changed our sport.
"You wouldn't believe it, but after joining the team as our major sponsor through an agreement that we made on the back of a drinks coaster, the head honchos at Shell stepped in at the start of 1992 to tell me that to take the team forward, we really needed to appoint a CEO.
"That lightbulb moment changed my life, and set a new course for Dick Johnson Racing.
"Following a stellar career with Shell that saw him at the peak of his craft both here in Australia and in the UK, Wayne joined DJR.
"He was instrumental in the leadership of the Touring Car Entrants Group and then to the formation of V8 Supercars. Wayne lured Ross and Jimmy Stone to DJR and helped us win Bathurst in 1994 and JB to win the championship in 1995. He was savvy commercially as he was in setting up the team's future, building 10 Emeri Street in Stapylton in 1998 as the first purpose built motorsport factory in Australia.
"Wayne joined Supercars as CEO after I hung up the helmet in 1999. He was the powerhouse behind Tony Cochrane, who as the ultimate ideas and sales man, needed the yin to his yang. A bloke who could get it done and make sure the trains would run on time. In Wayne, there was no one better.
"Coming from a background of working at DJR as well as Shell, he understood teamland and truly made him the enormous success he was in Supercars.
"He was a dear friend. Jillie and I share our heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. But most of all, today of all days, I have tremendous gratitude to a bloke who changed my life. Someone who came from outside motorsport to truly become a cornerstone of it.
"In Tasmania, our Mustangs will pay tribute to the memory of Wayne Cattach, a fellow former Nasho; a great man, fearless leader and true friend."
