Michael Caruso gets green light to jump back into Supercars hot seat at Townsville 400

A former fan favourite is set to make a shock Supercars comeback for Garry Rogers Motorsport at the Townsville 400.

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A former fan favourite is set to make a shock Supercars comeback after being confirmed as a starter in the Townsville 400.

In a move that will end a 14-race Supercars exile and reunite the veteran with the team that started his career, Caruso will buckle up on the grid for Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM) as a replacement for injured driver Richie Stanaway.

“It’s going to a blast to get back in one of Garry’s race cars for the Townsville race weekend,” Caruso said. “I have such fond memories racing for GRM. There’s so many familiar faces there, it really feels like home.”

Michael Caruso will replace injured driver Richie Stanaway at GRM in the Townsville 400. Picture: Getty Images

Caruso was a surprise omission from this year’s grid after being dumped by Nissan at the end of last season. After failing to secure a fulltime drive, the 36-year-old signed a deal to race the endurance season with Tickford Racing.

Tickford have granted Caruso permission to link with his former team for the Townsville race, beginning July 5.

“This would not have been possible without the approval of Tickford Racing,’’ Caruso said.

“So I really have to thank Tim Edwards and his crew for allowing me the chance to drive at Townsville with GRM.

“Personally, it’s going to be great to get more laps in ahead of the endurance races. I haven’t raced since the final round at Newcastle last year, but I’m sure it won’t take long for me to get my head back into race mode.”

Caruso will drive the #33 BOOST Mobile Racing Commodore ZB for GRM in north Queensland with regular driver Stanaway recovering from a neck injury.

“It’s a shame that Richie is continuing to struggle with his injury,’’ Caruso said. “So I’m aiming to do any best for the team and bring home some decent team’s points.”

Michael Caruso can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Supercar in Townsville.

Team owner Garry Rogers welcomed backed the favourite son, who left GRM in 2013 after a five-year stint with the Victorian based team. Caruso scored two Bathurst podiums and a race win for GRM after making his debut with the then Holden team in 2008.

“I am grateful to Tickford Racing for allowing Robbo to take the seat at GRM,’’ Rogers said.

“Robbo started his Supercar career here in 2008 and during his time we had some good results with a win at Darwin. 

“A lot of the current GRM crew were here back then and it has been quite a satisfying time for myself to hear the old stories getting retold, you could say that Robbo certainly kept us amused and certainly often times bemused. I believe that his experience and driving skills could help us to improve our current performances.”

Rogers said Stanaway will resume when he is fit to drive.

“It is frustrating for the team having to bridge the gap until Stanaway is healthy enough to resume his full-time driving,” Rogers said. “I am conscious of the complexities of Richie’s injury. After speaking to the expert medical people this is more than a stiff joint.’’