THE Toyota 86 pipeline has continued to produce, with 2023 champion Ryan Casha the latest graduate announced for a key drive.
Casha has been signed by Garry Rogers Motorsport for a seat in this year’s TCR Australia Series.
The 19-year-old will replace Kody Garland in one of GRM’s two Valvoline Peugeot entries, with Aaron Cameron returning to steer the other.
GRM is also expected to again run non-Valvoline Peugeot TCRs for incumbents Jordan Cox and Ben Bargwanna.
Casha sealed the 2023 Toyota 86 title last year at Bathurst, after which time a number of his rivals have scored Dunlop Series drives.
Runner-up Campbell Logan is taking over the Walkinshaw Andretti United Commodore vacated by Ryan Wood, Cody Burcher has landed with MW Motorsport (Super3), while Reuben Goodall and Jarrod Hughes will drive for Gomersall Motorsport and Image Racing respectively.
By contrast, Casha’s immediate future is in TCR.
“I’m stoked to be joining the GRM family alongside a well-established teammate in Aaron Cameron,” said the #79 pilot.
“I have an expansive wealth of knowledge at my disposal in Aaron and the team, which I’m sure will prove highly beneficial as we progress throughout the season.
“These cars are a significant contrast to the Toyota 86 from last year, however after spending a couple of days with the team I’m feeling comfortable and super confident that we will be competitive this year.
“Personally, I have high expectations moving into this year, but strong and consistent finishes are my main goal.
“Everyone at GRM has been extremely welcoming and I’m excited to get underway in a couple of weeks.”
Cameron indicated GRM will start the season in the old-spec Peugeot 308 before transitioning to the new version it is in the process of developing.
“The new Peugeot will be coming online during the season and I’m really looking forward to being able to compete with a new generation TCR car,” he said.
Sandown will host Round 1 of the 2024 TCR Australia season on February 9-11.
