Cauchi makes race engineering comeback

David Cauchi will make a race engineering comeback this weekend in a last-minute reshuffle.

Cauchi will substitute for Will Davidson on Lee Holdsworth’s #10 Penrite Racing Ford.

Davidson tested positive to COVID-19 on the eve of the team’s departure from Melbourne to Townsville.

Like Cauchi, Holdsworth and Davidson were newcomers to Penrite Racing at the start of the year.

Alistair McVean will continue alongside David Reynolds on the #26 Mustang.

Reynolds and Holdsworth are fifth and 12th respectively in the championship.

Former Triple Eight man Cauchi is no stranger to race engineering, notably leading Jamie Whincup to the 2014 and 2017 titles.

He helped Shane van Gisbergen to the 2021 championship before leaving for Braeside.

Cauchi joined Grove Racing as its new Team Principal, and has overseen an upturn in form for the team.

Reynolds and Holdsworth combine for seven podiums; the team top-scored for the Winton round.

"Unfortunately Will has been struck down with COVID and won't travel to Townsville,” Cauchi said.

"I certainly didn't expect to be back engineering a car this year.

"I'm looking forward to getting back on the tools with Lee, he's a very experienced driver and we know the areas we want to improve car #10.

"Hopefully we can come together and get a strong result for the team this weekend."

Cars will hit the track for dual practice sessions on Friday. Purchase your NTI Townsville 500 tickets now.