By Matthew Agius
Garry Rogers Motorsport today announced Michael Caruso as Dean Canto's replacement at the Valvoline Cummins Race Team.
Caruso joins the team after running in the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series for several years with Jim Morton's teams.
The twenty-four year old finished second by five points in the 2007 Fujitsu series for Ford Rising Stars Racing, and drove for WPS Racing in the long-distance races at Sandown and Bathurst.
“It's a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to it but I'm also anxious to just get in and drive the car,” said Caruso.
Team owner, Garry Rogers, recently terminated the contract of former driver, Dean Canto, with one year remaining.
“It was time for a change and we like to give young people a chance,” said Rogers.
Caruso replaces Canto at GRM, and joins a list of successful youngsters to file through the ranks of the team, including 2007 champion Garth Tander, and runner-up Jamie Whincup.
Rogers believes that Caruso is the suitable replacement to drive the team's second car.
“His early days in Karting and Formula Three have given him a very good understanding of vehicle set up,” said Rogers.
“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.
“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.”
Incumbent driver Lee Holdsworth is now likely to gain number one status at Glen Waverly.
Michael Caruso will debut for the Valvoline Cummins Race Team at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide from March 21-24.
![Michael Caruso will drive for WPS in the 2007 enduro races [Pic credit: BAM Media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/328886.jpg)
