Garry Rogers Motorsport re-affirms Michael Caruso programme

Garry Rogers Motorsport has re-affirmed its commitment to a two-year TCR Australia programme with Michael Caruso after the 2020 campaign was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caruso was set to drive a Valvoline-backed Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce for the team in a deal covering the 2020 and 2021 seasons, but got no further than qualifying on the front row for the TCR Asia Pacific Cup event at Albert Park – which was halted mid-way through as the pandemic took hold.

Despite the best efforts of TCR Australia to reschedule the 2020 season, travel restrictions in place across the country have instead resulted in focus turning to 2021 – with the new season due to kick off at Symmons Plains in January.

As a result of the 2020 season not taking place, Caruso’s deal with both GRM and Valvoline will effectively now roll over, putting him on the grid for both 2021 and 2022.

“Having not done any racing this year, it’s great that both Valvoline and GRM are keen to roll the partnership on for the intended two years, so we are all pretty excited to get it going,” said Caruso. “We feel that it is going to be a successful partnership. The TCR Series is a fantastic, global product, and despite the fact that we’ve been a full year out of the seat, there is some really strong interest out there to see the cars go back around.

“This type of racing really excites Valvoline. They love all motorsport, but the closeness of the TCR racing and the variety of brands in the field is something that has them keen for more.

“When I got to Albert Park, it was only my second time in the car. I was so looking forward to getting into that race, starting alongside Garth Tander. To not even get onto the track that day was a real let down. That’s all behind us now, so we have full focus on 2021. There’s no doubt that the ingredients are there to get some strong results in the Alfa Romeo.”