Cameron Hill feels like "I’m driving at the highest level in my career"
Hill sits 13th overall, 12 months after languishing in 24th and second-last
MSR driver has claimed six top 10 finishes in last nine race starts
12 months ago, Cameron Hill’s rookie season wasn't going to plan, the Matt Stone Racing driver sitting second-last in the standings.
To this point last year, the Canberran had claimed one top 10 in 24 starts heading to the Gold Coast, and was 615 points from the top 10.
Plenty has changed in a year, Hill claiming top 10s at both enduros alongside Cameron Crick, and seven top 10s to sit 13th and on the cusp of the 10. Of Hill's seven top 10 finishes this season, six have come in the last nine races.
Crucially, in a season Matt Stone Racing recruit Nick Percat has won plaudits with two wins, Hill arrives at Surfers Paradise 125 points from ninth, and only 140 points behind his veteran teammate.
Only Percat and Thomas Randle can hold a candle to Hill's year-on-year leap, Percat jumping from 20th to seventh, and Tickford Racing driver Randle 18th to eighth. Such is Hill’s improvement, that the rising star insists he feels he is "driving at the highest level in my career so far.”
“Now I have a year under my belt, and I am feeling far more confident of potentially cracking into that top 10 again this weekend,” the 27-year-old said.
“My motivation is to try to make these next rounds as good as I can and capitalise on what has been a really quick car all year.
“I feel like I’m driving at the highest level in my career so far — if we can finish with two strong rounds, then anything is possible.”
Hill, who finished 23rd and 15th on the Gold Coast last year, had a unique look at Surfers Paradise on Monday with a beach race.
Having enjoyed a brief break between events, the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup champion is determined to make his second Supercars visit to the Gold Coast count.
“It’s been good to have a few days off to recharge before one of my favourite events on the calendar,” he said.
“I love coming to the Gold Coast to race. The weather is awesome, the beaches are stunning and the vibes are great, so it’s definitely one of the cooler places we get to have a car race.
“Although the track itself is gnarly and super challenging for many reasons, I am looking forward to getting out there and tackling it."
The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 on October 25-27. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
Live coverage can be found on Foxtel, with live streaming available on Kayo. The Seven Network will take free to air coverage. International viewers can follow all the action on Superview.