The former driver, team owner and category promoter is being remembered as a hugely influential industry figure as well as a quirky, fun-filled character.
Garth Tander, who spearheaded Garry Rogers Motorsport’s Bathurst 1000 victory in 2000, is among many to pay tribute.
“A titan of the industry that knew how to have fun while being as hard as nails,” Tander wrote on social media. “Learnt so much from this bloke that I still use today.”
Speedcafe will update this story throughout the day with further tributes
Scott McLaughlin – former GRM driver
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.
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.
Steven Richards – former GRM driver
Today our 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. 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, Chrissy and Gary’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.
Lee Holdsworth – former GRM driver
We’ve lost one of the all time greats.
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.
To Kaye, Barry, Christie, and the rest of the Rogers family – Alana and I (& the rest of the Holdsworth family) send our love and condolences. Garry leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten
Dick Johnson – Dick Johnson Racing co-owner
Vale Garry Rogers. One of my great mates who Jillie and I knew so well as we came up through the sport together.
A wicked sense of humour (though you’d never have caught me wearing some of the get ups he graced us with trackside over all those years!) and a great eye for spotting and investing in young talent.
Scotty McLaughlin, Garth Tander, Will Davison, Alex Premat, James Golding, Jason Bargwanna and so many other drivers, mechanics and engineers owe their careers to Garry giving them a go and teaching them how to go racing, with no airs or graces or bullshit.
We extend our sincere condolences to Barry and the Rogers family at this very sad time.
Betty Klimenko – Erebus Motorsport team owner
Sometimes in your life there comes a person that you just bond with, someone who laughs at you and with you, a person who gives advice freely and lets you know when you stuff up.
This person for me was Garry Rogers, who sadly passed away this morning.
To be honest he was the only team owner who was willing to share, to give me the advice I needed, or in most cases cringed at, but he was always right , and he helped me through some tough moments in the beginning.
The motorsport world has lost a hero today, a man who spent his whole life trying to better the sport, who took a chance on rookies, a man who was part of the history of modern day racing.
James Golding – former GRM driver
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
Chevrolet Racing ANZ
RIP Garry. A true Stalwart in Australian Motorsport and an always bright and positive character in the Supercars Championship story. You will be sorely missed.
Peter Adderton – former Super Touring promoter
We lost a legend today. I’ve had a long history and a great relationship with Garry, going back to the Super Touring days.
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.
Mark Skaife – Supercars Hall of Fame member
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.
Will Davison – former GRM driver (Formula Ford)
I’d like to pay tribute to Garry Rogers, who has so very sadly passed away.
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. Thinking of all Garry’s family & closest friends.
Charlie Schwerkolt – Supercars team owner
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Garry Rogers. Garry was not only a formidable competitor, but also a great friend to everyone in the Supercars paddock.
He was a larger than life character whose passion for racing and his commitment to developing young talent, not only drivers, but mechanics and engineers, helped shape the sport into what it is today.
Garry’s personality, humour and determination made him one of the true greats of Australian motorsport, he’ll be remembered for his incredible contribution both on and off the track.
On behalf of everyone at Team 18, I send my heartfelt condolences to Barry, the entire Rogers family, and everyone at GRM.
Leigh Diffey – international commentator
Garry has been a friend for almost 30 years. He is a truly unique human being and character – there won’t be another like him.
His wealth was disguised by his blue collar values and love of being a regular bloke.
His impact on the sport is simply immense and I am better because of him. I’ll miss our chats.
Brett ‘Crusher’ Murray – founder Speedcafe.com
Some days are worse than others. Very sad news. Garry was a competitor and character – always had time for me. Loved a joke and we would stand for ages exchanging cracking yarns!
A lot of legacies, but what he did for young drivers set a benchmark. A serious racer who didn’t take himself seriously! Perfect! RIP Gaz.
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