Penrite Racing owner Stephen Grove has released a statement confirming that technical director Grant McPherson will leave the team to join Supercars rivals General Motors. The move has been described as a ‘major coup’ for GM after they lost the Triple Eight racing outfit to Ford this season.
Despite neither of GM or McPherson announcing the move officially, Penrite owner Grove confirmed the news in a public statement this week. “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.
Grant McPherson (second from left) helped Matt Payne win Bathurst for Penrite in 2025. Image: Penrite Racing/Getty
“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.”
McPherson has previously worked with Ford Performance Racing, Triple Eight and Walkinshaw Andretti United. He’s been a part of seven Bathurst 1000-winning teams, including last year when Matt Payne and co-driver Garth Tander triumphed in the great race.
He helped big-name stars like Craig Lowndes and Shane van Gisbergen win Bathurst and the Supercars championship while at Triple Eight. All up he’s been involved in two drivers’ championships, three teams’ championships and four Enduro Cups to go along with his seven Bathurst victories.
Grant McPherson was part of the Penrite team that won Bathurst last year. Image: Penrite Racing
Grant McPherson to continue at Penrite until later this year
McPherson will depart Penrite later this year. “Grant will remain with the business for the next five-and-a-half months, during which time his operational involvement will be progressively removed to ensure full protection of our intellectual property and a seamless transition of responsibilities,” Grove added.
“By the time he commences with General Motors, any information he holds will be well out of cycle within our performance system. This transition has allowed us to elevate talent from within, with five internal promotions reinforcing the depth and capability of our engineering group. Our direction is clear, and we expect our performance to strengthen from here.”
GM had Triple Eight cars on the grid in 2025, with Will Brown and Broc Feeney finishing second and third in the championship respectively. But Triple Eight defected to Ford in 2026, and Ford teams have won six out of seven races so far this season.
Anton De Pasquale won the other race in Sydney for GM’s Team 18 outfit. But GM failed to get a single podium in four races in Melbourne.