Vale Wayne Cattach
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 8 August 2024
The motorsport world is mourning the loss of former Supercars CEO Wayne Cattach, who has sadly passed away.
In addition to working alongside chairman Tony Cochrane to build the profile of Supercars across the early 2000s, Cattach was also a former Shell executive and worked very closely with Dick Johnson Racing.
His time in motorsport spanned several decades, starting with his time at Shell where he not only held senior positions in Australia, but also across the United Kingdom and South America.
Cattach’s work at Shell saw him get involved with DJR to help the team’s marketing, which sparked a long journey in the sport and a long-lasting partnership with Johnson.
He was also part of the group that founded TEGA and became the CEO of AVESCO in 2000.
As CEO, Cattach oversaw arguably the category’s most successful era, with an average annual increase of 18% and the introduction of V8 Supercar television, plus the introduction of international rounds in China, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
After his time at Supercars, Cattach stepped in to help DJR during its tough time in the early 2010s.
Since then Cattach has focused on non-motorsport matters such as serving as the chairman of a medical company focused on skin cancer prevention.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard paid tribute to Cattach and his impact on the sport.
“Wayne’s impact on Supercars cannot be overstated,” said 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.”
The team at AUTO ACTION sends its condolences to Cattach’s family and friends.
Image: Mark Horsburgh/LAT Photographic
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