Motorsport mourns the loss of Tim Miles after tragic accident

Vale Tim Miles: Racer, Entrepreneur, and Pillar of Australasian Motorsport

The New Zealand and International motorsport community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of respected Kiwi driver and motorsport entrepreneur Tim Miles, who passed away on Sunday, July 6, following an incident involving a bus while cycling in Sydney.

A lifelong racer, a key figure behind the scenes, and a mentor to many, Miles leaves behind a lasting legacy that spans more than three decades, impacting racing in New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.

Born in Ashburton, on New Zealand’s South Island, Miles built a diverse and influential career in motorsport. He began as a competitor in Formula Ford and hillclimbs before moving to the UK, where he worked in British Formula 3 and the BTCC, contributing to multiple title-winning efforts.

Returning to Australasia, Miles co-founded Tasman Motorsport, which competed in Supercars between 2004 and 2009.

He later became a shareholder in Triple Eight Race Engineering, aligning with names like Roland Dane and Jamie Whincup, before selling his stake to Tony Quinn in 2021.

Outside the cockpit, Miles was a respected businessman and corporate strategist. Through his firm, Miles Advisory Partners, he played a crucial role in two of the most significant ownership changes in Supercars’ history:

• The 2011 sale to Archer Capital which helped usher in a new commercial era.
• The 2021 acquisition by Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises Pty Ltd (RACE) secured local control of the category.

Supercars acknowledged his passing in a statement:

“Supercars extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Tim Miles, who has sadly passed away,” the statement read.

“Tim was an extraordinary figure in Australian motorsport, not just for his work behind the wheel, but for the immense influence he had off the track across more than two decades.

“As a corporate advisor and former team owner, Tim played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport. Through his company, Miles Advisory Partners, he was instrumental in the sale of Supercars to Archer Capital in 2011 — a landmark transaction that helped transform the championship into what it is today.

“Our thoughts are with Tim’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by the entire Supercars community.”

Despite his business success, Miles never drifted far from racing. He was a passionate and regular entrant in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, the GT3 Cup Challenge, and, more recently, GT World Challenge Australia.

In the 2024–25 GT World Challenge season, he partnered with fellow Kiwi Brendon Leitch in an Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II run by Melbourne Performance Centre, scoring multiple podiums, including a maiden victory at Phillip Island in 2024.

Just weeks before his passing, Miles fulfilled a long-held dream by racing at Le Mans in the Mustang Challenge Invitational. He ran a tribute livery honouring family friend Rod McElrea, a gesture that reflected both his character and his deep connections in the sport.

Tim Miles wasn’t just a competitor; he was a mentor, investor, and behind-the-scenes supporter of emerging talent. He played a formative role in the international careers of drivers such as Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans, providing both financial backing and personal guidance.

His family describes him as “a family man, though one who loved nothing more than stressing out his beloved Tracy about his latest motorsport-related purchase or adventure, all the while proudly telling stories of his two daughters’ successes in life.”

He is survived by his wife, Tracy and daughters Caley and Erin.

“The world has lost the bright, shining light that was Tim Miles,” a family statement read.

“Tim was involved in a tragic and ultimately fatal accident this (Sunday, 6 July) morning in Sydney while enjoying one of his favourite hobbies – cycling.

“His loss is keenly felt by friends and family, especially Wife, Tracy, and daughters Caley and Erin.

“His passing will be notably impactful on his other love, a motorsport community that felt Tim’s impact as a competitor, an owner, a supporter and as a businessman for more than 35 years.

“Tim was a fantastic storyteller, a man with a brilliant sense of humour and who showed genuine interest in the lives of those around him, whether he’d known them for years or just met them.

Tim Miles’ sudden death has sent shockwaves across the racing world. Tributes have poured in from across the Tasman and beyond, each echoing the same sentiment: Tim was a kind, committed, and generous man whose presence elevated those around him.

He bridged the worlds of business and racing with rare humility and grace, showing that success and sincerity could go hand in hand.

Whether it was closing a landmark deal or sharing a laugh in the paddock, Tim brought people together.

A brilliant mind, a fearless competitor, and a genuine soul—Tim Miles will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His influence will live on through the teams he helped build, the drivers he supported, and the stories that will be shared for years to come.

Funeral details will be confirmed in due course. The Miles family has requested privacy during this time and expressed their gratitude for the support received since Tim’s passing.

Header Image: Edge Photographics