Michael Caruso
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6:00 AM Thu 5 January, 2012
Source: BigPond Sport
MICHAEL Caruso described the bulk of his 2011 season as 'frustrating', up until he was handed a new #34 Fujitsu Racing VE Commodore in September.
Results improved, and it looked like he'd finally make amends at his 'home' event at the Sydney Telstra 500 until he ran out of fuel in the dying laps of the opening 250km race and coasted to 4th - his season-best result.
Caruso is now looking for bigger and better things in 2012 as he steps out of the shadow of former teammate and good friend Lee Holdsworth and takes on a leadership role in his fifth straight season with Garry Rogers Motorsport.
Championship Position: 14th
Best Result: 4th (Sydney)
Best Qualifying: 5th (Winton)
What is your highlight of this season?
Getting my new race car and putting it on the third row of the grid first time out– I waited for 12 months but it was worth it in the end!
What is your funniest moment from this season?
Garry Rogers thought he’d put a sticker on the motor home that I shared with Lee at Bathurst saying ‘Just Married’ – we changed it overnight so before all the fans rocked up, we changed it to Garry and Kay, because not many people know he recently got married. Haha!
What are you getting up to during the off-season break?
I'm getting married in Sydney, and then taking a honeymoon in Bora Bora so January will be flat out! I spent Christmas in Sydney preparing for the wedding, because apparently there's a lot to do. I'm a male, I wouldn't know!
What was the race that got away from you this year?
Pretty much the first half of the year up until I got the new car, to be honest. When we got the new car it was a big step forwards.
New Years Resolution?
To have a solid year.
2012 Goal?
To get back on the top step of the podium at some stage during the year, and to finish the championship inside the top ten.
2011 Rating out of 10?
I'd give myself an 8. When it was tough I felt I didn't make too many mistakes.
