Michael Caruso has vowed to “take the gloves off” as he aims to return to the top of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series field at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.
The driver based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches has endured an up and down opening three races in the pocket rocket turbo-charged series, and currently sits ninth in the title after a season filled with incidents and mechanical gremlins.
But Caruso is putting his tough start to 2022 behind him as he heads to his home track – the scene of his maiden TCR Australia win last year.
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When Caruso crossed the line to secure that win, his in-car emotion became a thing of legend, and he has now got his sights set on repeating that result – at any cost.
“I’m really excited to come back to the track where I got my very first TCR race win, with fans, family and friends attending,” Caruso said.
“The TCR Series hasn’t gone to plan for me thus far, no doubt we’ve had some great speed and we’ve had some drama along the way as well, so this weekend the gloves are off. I’m going out there for the race wins there’s no doubt about it. Anyone who steps in my way, they better be aware.
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“Last year’s win was really special. I had my family and friends there so to share the moment and it was very special because my loved ones can’t come to most of the events. It made it really, really special for me. It’s something I’ll never forget.
“When I crossed the line inside the car, going through the pressures, trying to tick the first win off the bucket list… what we all saw on camera was all the emotion boiled up that was wrapped up inside me let loose. I use that for motivation this weekend to hopefully continue that winning streak.”
This weekend’s round, held as part of the Speed Series on Stan Sport, will be the first-ever TCR Australia race held under lights.
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“Racing under lights is going to be super spectacular,” Caruso said.
“I’ve been fortunate to do it before, but in a TCR car, it’s the very first time for the whole category to do it.
“The Sydney circuit is an amazing track to do it on, it’s very well lit, but it’s something new so I’ll be tapping into the experience I’ve got. It will be different and the risk will be high. But I’ll be looking for the reward at the end of it.”
The Speed Series will feature seven racing categories and 15 hours of live and ad-break free coverage on Stan Sport across Saturday and Sunday.
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