Seven big reasons why McPherson is big coup for GM

News of Grant McPherson's move to General Motors has created headlines, and rightfully so.

Confirmed by his team Wednesday, Penrite Racing Technical Director McPherson will join GM later this year, in what is the latest key signing by the brand.

Nicknamed 'Shippy', McPherson is one of the most decorated figures in pit lane, and has the rare distinction of winning the Bathurst 1000 on seven occasions across four different teams.

He spent an eight-year stint with Ford Performance Racing (now Tickford Racing) between 2007 and 2014, and was part of the team that won the 2013 and 2014 Great Races.

A high-profile move to Triple Eight followed, and he engineered Craig Lowndes/Steven Richards to Bathurst victory at his first attempt. In 2016, he steered Shane van Gisbergen to the drivers' title and the Enduro Cup.

Title after title rolled in for Triple Eight, with McPherson's swansong fittingly engineering a Bathurst win for van Gisbergen/Garth Tander in 2020.

He joined Walkinshaw Andretti United as Head of Performance in 2021. That same year, the team won the Bathurst 1000. Little over a year later, he joined Grove Racing, and was key to leading the team to the top of the sport.

McPherson has been part of seven Bathurst 1000 wins, two drivers' championships, three teams' championships and four Enduro Cups. All told, that's a whopping 15 of the biggest titles Supercars has to offer.

At the surface, the news is the latest sign that GM is keen to keep rebuilding its Supercars stocks following Triple Eight’s defection to Ford.

Grove Racing owner Stephen Grove made no secret of the overtures, courtesy of a pointed statement that hinted at GM's chase of Bathurst champion Matt Payne.

On this occasion, GM got their man.

“We wish Grant well in his move to General Motors,” Grove said.

“It’s no surprise our people are in demand as we’ve built one of the strongest technical teams in Supercars, and that strength comes from depth of talent.

“This is the second time General Motors have targeted our organisation, and in both instances, it has involved significant above-market offers.

“That speaks to the premium they are willing to pay as they work to improve their current results deficit in the post Triple Eight era.”

In a shot in the arm for GM, the news comes just days after Chevrolet drivers failed to record a single podium at the Melbourne SuperSprint, an event GM cars had won every race between 2022 and 2025.

McPherson will remain with Penrite Racing for the next five and a half months. However, like the exit of Moore from Triple Eight 12 months, the ripple effect could be felt at coming rounds, as GM looks to return serve after a Ford sweep in Melbourne.

Penrite Racing will resume its 2026 campaign in New Zealand on April 10-12.

Grant McPherson in Supercars

Key achievements for teams during McPherson tenures

Ford Performance Racing (2007-14)

Triple Eight Race Engineering (2015-20)

Walkinshaw Andretti United (2021-22)

Grove Racing (2022-26)