Repco Supercars Championship rookie Cameron Hill’s confidence continues to grow ahead of the NTI Townsville 500, the sixth round of his maiden campaign.
Coming off the back of a productive rookie test at Queensland Raceway last week where Hill logged valuable miles and the Truck Assist Racing crew completed crucial pit stop practice, including fuel stops, which makes a return for the first time since Newcastle.
The hybrid Townsville circuit situated in Reid Park features elements of street and permanent sections providing a challenge to drivers. There are plenty of passing opportunities and the longer 250km races opens up further strategy options.
Truck Assist Racing is coming off a strong weekend in Darwin where Hill's team-mate Jack Le Brocq took the team's maiden win. The Queensland-based team enjoys a reasonable record at Reid Park where Le Brocq scored two Top 10 Shootout berths last year.
Hill is vastly experienced in Townsville having competed there regularly in his climb towards the Repco Supercars Championship, starting with the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series before winning races there in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and finally stepping on the podium last year in Dunlop Super2.
The Repco Supercars Championships heads to northern Queensland for the NTI Townsville 500 this weekend, with opening practice beginning the event at 10:10am AEST.
QUOTES
Cameron Hill
#34 Truck Assist Racing, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
“It was super valuable to get that day in, it’s obviously more seat time for me and also pit stop practice for our crew, so everyone got a lot out of the day, with the team in a good spot at the moment,” Hill said.
“Apart from The Bend, it’s going to be the long format from here on out, which is pretty cool. Newcastle was definitely a baptism by fire and the racing was really enjoyable as with the longer formats there are more strategy moves to be made to get yourself in an advantageous position. It’ll be really cool to see how these races unfold.
“Townsville has always turned on some good racing, but we’ve seen this year that qualifying is incredibly important in getting a good result and I don’t think that is going to change.
“There are a few little pinch points that can provide great television, so hopefully we’re not involved in any of that and it’s smooth sailing.
“The team have definitely got plenty of runs on the board at Townsville, Jack was in the Top 10 Shootout for both races last year and if that means anything for me, I’ll take it. With Gen3, everyone is going in blind as to what we’re going to need from the cars at Townsville, but if we can roll out of the truck strong it’ll bring good momentum.
“I definitely enjoy Townsville as an event, the circuit, the people, it’s always a good time. Having a lot of experience there is one less thing I have to worry about as a rookie, but I’m still expecting it to be seriously close up there.”
