Tributes flow for 'titan of the industry' Garry Rogers

Tributes are flowing for the late Garry Rogers, who has sadly passed away.

The colourful long-time owner died overnight, leaving behind one of the richest legacies in Australian motorsport.

Rogers was behind many of the sport's biggest stars' debuts, from Garth Tander, Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin.

A former racer, Rogers became best known for the team that carried his name, which competed in Supercars between 1996 and 2019. Garry Rogers Motorsport's greatest day came in 2000, when Tander and Jason Bargwanna combined to deliver one of Mount Panorama's biggest upsets.

In a GRM statement, the team said: "Today we’re mourning the passing of our founder and leader Garry Rogers. But more than that we’re celebrating his incredible life.

"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 led the tributes from the paddock, posting to social media: "A sad day for Australian Motorsport. A titan of the industry, that knew how to have fun while being as hard as nails. Learnt so much from this bloke, that I still use today. RIP GR."

McLaughlin, who shot to stardom with GRM, penned a long tribute to "Gaz."

"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," McLaughlin wrote.

"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'."

Lee Holdsworth, who raced for Rogers between 2005 and 2010, wrote: "Gaz you played such an huge part in my career and I’ll forever be grateful for everything you did for me and my family. You taught me that when times are tough, you pick yourself up and get on with it. That reward comes from hard work and dedication. I have so much respect for you and your family. Thank you for your friendship and for being an incredible mentor - I’ll miss you a lot."

Fellow ex-GRM teammate Michael Caruso added: "Garry, thank you for the years of guidance, generosity, and opportunities. I was lucky to learn from you, not just professionally, but personally. You’ll be missed, mate. But your impact lives on, in the laughs, and the legacy you left behind."

Current Supercars racer James Golding, who made his Supercars debut with GRM, wrote: "Garry. You gave me the opportunity to make a career in Motorsport, you mentored me and taught me that life is meant to be fun. Your attitude is something I will always look up to and try to replicate every day. Without you would not be where or who I am today. RIP."

Will Davison, who raced for Rogers in Formula Ford, said: "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. "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."

Mark Skaife said: "Garry has been a massive contributor to Australian Motorsport and @supercars for a very long time…a genuine ‘racers-racer’…he will be sadly missed by all…sincere condolences to family and friends. RIP - Garry Rogers 1945-2025."

Supercars pit lane reporter Riana Crehan added: "One of the very best. An incredibly sad day. Garry you will be so deeply missed."

In a statement, Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton praised "one of the most passionate, loyal, and colourful figures in Australian motorsport," adding: "Garry will be remembered not only as a racer and a team boss, but as a true character — larger than life, fiercely loyal, and utterly devoted to the sport he loved."