After a six-year hiatus, Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM) is back at the Bathurst 1000 with a mission steeped in emotion. The team, now led by Barry Rogers, isn't just racing; they're honoring founder Garry Rogers, who passed away last October at age 80. Their wildcard debut has become a poignant moment that resonates through the Mount Panorama paddock.
Garry Rogers' Legacy and a Fulfilled Ambition
Barry Rogers, Garry's son, has realized his father's dream by giving Trans Am hotshot Nathan Herne a chance in Supercars. "The most special part was rolling the car out of the truck and really thinking about Dad, thinking about Garry," Barry said. "It was quite emotional to see James Moffat first go out of pit lane this morning."
James Moffat, the lead driver, played a key role in putting the deal together, including purchasing a Gen3 Chevrolet Camaro from Triple Eight. The car is testing in a livery that pays homage to Garry's second-ever racecar, an EH Holden from the 1960s, before donning GRM's 2000 Bathurst-winning colours for the Great Race.
Thorough Preparation and Collaboration with Triple Eight
The test at Winton was a solid first step. "All credit to Triple Eight, who have supplied us a really well-prepared car," Barry added. It marked the first time GRM has run a Gen3 Supercar, and for Herne, it was his first proper hitout in Gen3 machinery after brief runs with PremiAir Racing.
Herne is not alone. He has Supercars champions and mentors Russell Ingall and Marcos Ambrose in his corner, as well as Moffat. "It's been great to learn off of Moff and to lean on his experience," Herne said. "He's still pretty much at the top of his game. It's unreal to drive against him in Trans Am and it's good to learn on for some advice and support, especially in the same car. Having Russell here, Marcos, Barry, and the whole crew, it's a 'pinch yourself' moment."
Moffat's Enthusiastic Return to the Cockpit
For Moffat, who pulled together the wildcard deal after Tickford Racing ended their eight-year relationship, being back behind the wheel is a blessing. "It's been really good just to hit the track," he said. "Not only for Nathan and myself to drive the car, but everybody at GRM to experience the Gen3 supercar. We got through our program really well today, the car hasn't missed a beat. Hopefully, that's a good sign of things to come for us as we gear up for Bathurst."
The test will continue at Winton on Wednesday ahead of the Repco Bathurst 1000 on October 8-11. For GRM, this is more than a race; it's a tribute to the man who built the team's legacy. Garry Rogers Motorsport is ready to write a new chapter at the legendary mountain.
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