David Cauchi with Jamie Whincup in 2019. Image: Supplied
The move will come as Brown’s existing race engineer Andrew Edwards takes a promotion to a head of performance role.
That position has been vacant since Pete Ringwood was elevated to technical director in the wake of Jeromy Moore’s departure to GM last year.
Triple Eight confirmed the bombshell in the aftermath of Brown’s fairytale victory on Saturday at Ipswich.
Brown spent the first eight rounds of the season running with an undersized air restrictor – an oversight that exposed T8’s quality controls.
Triple Eight managing director Jamie Whincup said the team was keen to snap up Cauchi, who has worked outside the sport since leaving Grove Racing at the end of 2025.
Cauchi’s previous stint at Triple Eight from 2007-2021 included engineering Whincup to two championship titles.
“We’ve been looking to build engineering depth at Triple Eight for some time now, and when you have both the opportunity and someone you know is 100 percent the right person for it you have to make that move – life is about taking those opportunities,” said Whincup.
“It’s about strengthening our engineering resources and process. That’s our key objective and we’re excited at what both Andrew and Cauchi can bring to these roles.”
Cauchi’s departure from Triple Eight was tumultuous, with the team taking legal action following his arrival at Grove amid a dispute over gardening leave.
He returns to T8 on a part-time basis, starting with the pre-Enduro Cup test at Queensland Raceway on Tuesday.
Will Brown with engineer Andrew Edwards. Image: InSyde Media
“I made the decision midway through last year to return to Brisbane, where I’ve been enjoying a full-time role outside of motorsport,” explained Cauchi.
“When Jamie called asking if I’d return to my motorsport home as race engineer for car #888 on a part-time basis, it’s simply an opportunity that’s very hard to turn down.
“I spent 14 years at Triple Eight, seven of those as JDub’s race engineer, experienced many incredible highs and of course, some lows along the way. I’m both excited and grateful for the opportunity.
“It’ll be a baptism of fire, straight into Enduro Cup part of the season but I can’t wait to work with Will, as well as some new and many old teammates.”
Edwards joined Triple Eight in 2022 as Cauchi departed, engineering Shane van Gisbergen before linking with Brown when he stepped into the Kiwi’s shoes in ’24.
“This is a proud moment for everyone here at Triple Eight,” added Whincup.
“Andrew is and has been for such a long time a key part of the business, the team and what we do so we’re thrilled he’s agreed to take on this challenge – there isn’t a better engineer for this role.”