News
Valvoline GRM Combine Returns in 2024
August 28, 2023
The Valvoline GRM Combine – Driven by Marcos Ambrose will return in 2024 for its third edition, building on the success of previous years.
Ambrose spearheaded the idea to provide an intensive coaching programme in high level racing machinery for the next generation of racing talent, and in 2022 the Combine was first held to a resounding success. In 2023 the programme welcomed the addition of four apprentice mechanics, chosen by Valvoline to spend the week working with the Garry Rogers Motorsport crew on and around the team’s stable of race cars. The apprentice programme will return in 2024, with more exciting news coming on October 1st.
In addition to giving up and coming drivers the ability to sample GRM’s TCR, Trans Am and S5000 machinery, the programme also expanded to junior drivers coming out of karting. The Combine Plus initiative saw the young drivers first cutting supervised laps in a road car, before stepping into a Hyundai Excel and then ending the week with laps in the TCR.
In 2024 the programme returns to Tasmania in January, where drivers and mechanics will spend a week trackside at Symmons Plains Raceway and Baskerville Raceway. Spots for both the Combine and Combine Plus are open for interested drivers, who can send their expressions of interest to combine@grmotorsport.com.au
Drivers to have come through the first two editions of the Combine include Tom Hayman who recently swept the weekend in Trans Am, Campbell Logan who sits second in the Toyota 86 Series and Clay Richards who is a race winner in Toyota 86. Kody Garland and Edan Thornburrow also participated in the 2022 Combine, with both drivers now racing for GRM in TCR and Trans Am.
The 2024 Valvoline GRM Combine – Driven by Marcos Ambrose will take place from the 21st to 25th of January.
Quotes
Kate Phillips, Valvoline Marketing Manager ANZ
“Valvoline are proud to again be aligned with GRM for the second year in a row as major sponsors for the Valvoline GRM Combine in Tasmania. Valvoline understands the automotive industry finds it hard to attract and retain apprentice mechanics and after a successful experience earlier this year, we are thrilled to be able to send another four young apprentices to the Combine in January,” said Phillips.
Tom Hayman, 2023 Combine Participant
“The GRM Combine helped me to improve as a driver not only on track but off track. The opportunity to work within a professional team was very valuable for me. I found the experience has definitely helped with my results so far in the 2023 season and being able to implement that professionalism the team displayed has helped immensely. The coaching has helped me to better interpret data and helped me find ways to improve in my driving and the car from race to race,” said Hayman.
Campbell Logan, 2022 Combine Participant
“I really enjoyed my experience at the GRM Combine in 2022, spending time learning the ins and outs of a range of cars with Marcos Ambrose and the rest of the GRM crew over two fantastic tracks,” said Logan.
Barry Rogers, Garry Rogers Motorsport
“The GRM Combine came about because of the joint passions of my dad Garry and Marcos Ambrose for young people and motorsport. The Combine really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for aspiring young drivers to spend a week surrounded by immense motorsport experience and knowledge. Not only to improve their skills but to also get a better understanding of what a future in the sport looks like.
This year we extended the Combine to include four lucky mechanics who are jointly chosen through our longstanding partner, Valvoline. This is very close to Garry’s heart as his journey began as a 15-year old motor mechanic. The introduction of the mechanics was a huge success where they were exposed to the pressures and accuracies involved in the preparation of racing cars. We are extremely proud, after only two years of the Combine, of the development and advancement of many of the participants,” said Rogers.