GROVE RACING RESPOND TO T8 LEGAL ACTION

Grove Racing has responded to Triple Eight Race Engineering’s intent to take legal action against its team principal David Cauchi, stating that it was the wrong time to argue such a matter.

Cauchi is a former employee of Triple Eight, in fact a long-time employee who worked as engineer with both Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen, most notably taking the title as the latter’s engineer last year.

Before the 2021 season concluded it was announced that Cauchi would depart Triple Eight and join Grove Racing as team principal.

Triple Eight believe that Cauchi should have undertaken six months gardening leave as they feel it was instructed at the time, however Cauchi and Grove Racing see it differently.

Cauchi attended the pre-season test at Winton Motor Raceway and has been working with Grove Racing at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Yesterday Triple Eight announced in a statement that they were taking legal action against Cauchi.

Last night after practice concluded Grove Racing released a statement of its own regarding the Cauchi situation.

The statement outlined that Cauchi ended his term with the team and has joined Grove Racing in a different role.

‘While disappointed with the intention to take legal action, no legitimate case has been outlined against him,” it read.

‘The team will provide any support required to Cauchi in this personal matter.

‘Cauchi served his full notice period with Triple Eight until January 6, 2022, and joined Penrite Racing, in a completely different role, after that time.

‘Penrite Racing remains committed to its on-track performance at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.’

Grove Racing Team Owner Stephen Grove feels that it is silly to argue the point on day 1 of the season.

“For a team that’s enjoyed so much success for so long it’s rather interesting timing to be focussing on taking this action on the first day of the season,” he was quoted as saying in the media release.

“We’ve done everything above board in acquiring David (Cauchi).”

“We’re focused on continuing to build our team and doing our fighting on the track, with David as a valued member of our squad.

“There’s bigger issues for people to worry about in the world right now, than an attempt by Triple Eight to try to stop a man from earning an income for him and his family for six months.”

Grove Racing, similar to that of Triple Eight, concluded by saying there will be no further comment at this stage from the team and its staff.

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