Cattach was famed for his stints at Shell, Supercars, and Dick Johnson Racing.
Between Australia and the United Kingdom, the businessman worked with Shell for the best part of two decades where he looked after the company’s South American interests.
When Cattach moved back home indefinitely, Shell Australia approached Cattach to work on its behalf with Dick Johnson Racing. That began a life-long relationship between he and Johnson.
Cattach was part of the group that founded TEGA (Touring Car Entrant Group of Australia) that stepped up the professionalism of Supercars.
His influence is felt to this day thanks to the franchise system Supercars adopted. Cattach was on the board from day one.
His business nous was an asset to Supercars and eventually he was shoulder-tapped in 2000 by AVESCO (the Australian Vee Eight Supercar Company) to be its CEO.
Supercars enjoyed a massive uptick in interest with Cattach at the helm alongside chairman Tony Cochrane.
As well as establishing the franchise system, Cattach was influential in taking Supercars overseas to China as well as boosting its international TV audience.
“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.”
After walking away from the sport in 2008, Cattach returned to help the cash-strapped Dick Johnson Racing in the early 2010s to help the team financially stabilise itself.
Once that assignment was complete, he walked away from the sport and renewed his interests another business exploits.
“Wayne Cattach’s legacy is one of innovation, dedication, and profound impact,” a Supercars statement read.
“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 plans to honour Cattach at the Tasmania SuperSprint on August 16-18.
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