TRIPLE Eight has bolstered its brains trust in a major way, securing the return of championship-winning engineer David Cauchi.

Cauchi spent 14 years at Triple Eight during his first stint with the Brisbane organisation, guiding both Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen to title successes.

He then headed interstate to become team principal of Grove Racing (2022-25), leading the Penrite Ford squad’s ascension including to Bathurst 1000 victory last year.

Cauchi finished up with Groves at the end of last year and had since taken a step away from motorsport, save for a cameo GT4 appearance at Queensland Raceway.

 

He will imminently slot in at Triple Eight on a part-time basis, race engineering Will Brown, with incumbent Andrew Edwards promoted to head of performance.

Andrew Edwards on the Ipswich Super440 podium yesterday after guiding Will Brown to victory. Pic: Ross Gibb

The head of performance position has been vacant since Pete Ringwood was promoted to technical director last year upon Jeromy Moore’s departure.

Cauchi is at Queensland Raceway today and will begin in his new role at Tuesday’s all-in test day.

“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 team principal Whincup.

“We’re excited to announce that as of Monday following the Queensland Raceway round Andrew Edwards will be promoted to the role of head of performance at Triple Eight, a role previously filled by our current technical director Peter Ringwood.

“This is a proud moment for everyone here at Triple Eight. 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.

“We are equally excited to announce that a familiar face in David Cauchi is back in our garage as race engineer on the #888 car driven by Will Brown (and Scott Pye for the Enduro Cup) for the remainder of the 2026 Supercars season.

“Cauchi started his apprenticeship here, has celebrated championships with this team, and his experience in the sport is up there with the best.

“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.”

David Cauchi. Pic: Supplied

Cauchi added: “I made the decision midway through last year to return to Brisbane, where I’ve been enjoying a full-time role outside of motorsport.

“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.

“I’d like to thank Jamie, and also Will, Andrew and everyone at Triple Eight for the opportunity to have me back, and equally thank my new employer, Damien (Meneguzzo) from DMH Group, for allowing me the flexibility for a return stint at Triple Eight.”

Edwards and Cauchi are two of three race engineers in history to have won championships with multiple drivers, the other being Rob Starr at the Holden Racing Team with Craig Lowndes and Mark Skaife.