A new team member for Garry Rogers Motorsport
January 15th 2008 06:22
A change of drivers for the 2008 Garry Rogers Motorsport team has been announced with Michael Caruso joining regular Lee Holdsworth in his first full time V8 Supercar drive.
The Garry Rogers team is well respected around the paddock, having been the jumping-off point for many a successful V8 Supercar career. Current title holder, Garth Tander, is just one of a number of drivers to have made it big in the sport after being given a chance by Garry Rogers. Other former GRM young guns include former Bathurst winner Jason Bargwanna, 2007 title runner-up Jamie Whincup, Jason Bright, Steven Richards, Cameron McConville and Leanne Ferrier (now Tander) who came close to being the first female to win the Australian Formula 3 series in 2007.
Team mate Lee Holdsworth is already proving that the Garry Rogers success is still alive with a very good performance in just his second year of racing in the V8 Supercar category, gaining an impressive top fifteen position in 2007. Speaking after Holdsworth’s first ever round victory at Oran Park last year, Rogers praised the young driver by comparing him to a legend of the sport, Jim Richards. “This was a very worthwhile result for only his second year in the series,” says Rogers.
Garry, who has a reputation for giving young, relatively unknown drivers a go, is enthusiastic about the signing. “It was time for a change and we like to give young people a chance,” he said. After studying the pool of talented young up-and-comings available to him, the knowledgeable team owner chose Michael Caruso to fill the gap in the team, “not just on his driving ability but also on his manner and commitment.”
“His early days in Karting and Formula Three have given him a very good understanding of vehicle set up. During Michael’s Formula Three period, Kevin Bartlett, whose engineering and vehicle set up knowledge could be considered one of the best in Australia, assisted Caruso enormously. The knowledge he gained during this time, coupled with his personal commitment and mannerisms make me believe that he has the necessary substance to be successful and overcome any obstacles that may arise,” says Garry.
“V8 Supercar racing is one of the most competitive forms of motor racing in the world and to be successful you need both commitment and a thick hide.”
“We are all very excited,” says Garry. “It will be a great opportunity for both the team and Michael, and I believe he and Lee will make a great combination.”
Michael Caruso has been involved in motorsport since joining the karting circuit at the age of twelve. “My father used to race Sports Sedans,” says Michael, “I watched him a lot when I was young before getting into Karting when I was 12. Dad was also a mechanic for the legendary Kevin Bartlett during his Formula 5000 days and later in the famous Chevrolet Camaro era.”
“It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to it,” enthused Caruso with regards to his new position, “but I’m also anxious to just get in and drive the car.”
The Garry Rogers team is well respected around the paddock, having been the jumping-off point for many a successful V8 Supercar career. Current title holder, Garth Tander, is just one of a number of drivers to have made it big in the sport after being given a chance by Garry Rogers. Other former GRM young guns include former Bathurst winner Jason Bargwanna, 2007 title runner-up Jamie Whincup, Jason Bright, Steven Richards, Cameron McConville and Leanne Ferrier (now Tander) who came close to being the first female to win the Australian Formula 3 series in 2007.
Team mate Lee Holdsworth is already proving that the Garry Rogers success is still alive with a very good performance in just his second year of racing in the V8 Supercar category, gaining an impressive top fifteen position in 2007. Speaking after Holdsworth’s first ever round victory at Oran Park last year, Rogers praised the young driver by comparing him to a legend of the sport, Jim Richards. “This was a very worthwhile result for only his second year in the series,” says Rogers.
Garry, who has a reputation for giving young, relatively unknown drivers a go, is enthusiastic about the signing. “It was time for a change and we like to give young people a chance,” he said. After studying the pool of talented young up-and-comings available to him, the knowledgeable team owner chose Michael Caruso to fill the gap in the team, “not just on his driving ability but also on his manner and commitment.”
“His early days in Karting and Formula Three have given him a very good understanding of vehicle set up. During Michael’s Formula Three period, Kevin Bartlett, whose engineering and vehicle set up knowledge could be considered one of the best in Australia, assisted Caruso enormously. The knowledge he gained during this time, coupled with his personal commitment and mannerisms make me believe that he has the necessary substance to be successful and overcome any obstacles that may arise,” says Garry.
“V8 Supercar racing is one of the most competitive forms of motor racing in the world and to be successful you need both commitment and a thick hide.”
“We are all very excited,” says Garry. “It will be a great opportunity for both the team and Michael, and I believe he and Lee will make a great combination.”
Michael Caruso has been involved in motorsport since joining the karting circuit at the age of twelve. “My father used to race Sports Sedans,” says Michael, “I watched him a lot when I was young before getting into Karting when I was 12. Dad was also a mechanic for the legendary Kevin Bartlett during his Formula 5000 days and later in the famous Chevrolet Camaro era.”
“It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to it,” enthused Caruso with regards to his new position, “but I’m also anxious to just get in and drive the car.”
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