For as long as he can remember, Josh Caval has been around drag racing. He grew up at the track watching his dad, Richard, compete, including the team’s stint in Pro Stock before a frightening accident in Sydney brought that chapter to an abrupt end. The sport has always been part of family life, and so too has the ambition of one day returning the Caval name to the category.
That opportunity arrived when Wayne Daley’s Dodge Dart came up for sale. It was not a decision that took long.
“Being around drag racing all my life and watching my dad race, it’s been a dream of mine to do the same,” Josh said. “When the opportunity came up to purchase Wayne’s Dodge Dart, we jumped straight on it.”
The purchase marked the beginning of a return to familiar territory, albeit with a different driver in the seat.
Josh is upfront about his experience level. His time behind the wheel has so far been limited to a handful of Super Gas outings in his father’s Holden Monaro. While it provided valuable seat time, he knows there is still plenty to learn.
“I don’t have much of a driving history,” he said. “I raced Dad’s Monaro in Super Gas a couple of times, but I’m still new. That’s why we’re taking this season slowly to learn and get a proper handle on the car.”
The Dart has already had its first taste of track time, with the team heading to Calder Park for a low key shakedown. The goal was simple, get comfortable, complete a few burnouts and practise staging.
“I loved it. Not going to lie, I was nervous,” Josh said. “We went to Calder just to do some burnouts and stage the car. We got three runs in, so we were happy.”
From here, the approach remains measured. More laps at their home track are planned before a possible trip to Sydney or Adelaide to begin working on 60 foot launches and half track passes. Only once they are confident and comfortable will they look to extend the program further.
“Once we get some experience and feel comfortable, our plan is to race in Pro Stock,” Josh said.
Richard continues to campaign his Monaro in Super Gas, with the team intending to contest more events throughout the year. There is also the possibility he may make an appearance in the Dart.
Longer term, events such as the Pro Stock Nationals and the Spring Nationals are firmly on the radar.
“I just want to say a big thank you to my dad. Without him, none of this would have been possible,” Josh said. “And a massive thank you to Mario Camillo for all the late nights and time he’s given up to help get this car where it is now. I can’t thank them both enough.”
For now, the focus is on learning and steady progression. The first steps have been taken, and the Caval name is once again back at the track in a Pro Stock car.
