Eighteen-year-old race winner Cameron Hill will return for a second season in the Toyota GR86 Championship and is targeting regular podium finishes as he takes aim at a title challenge.
Coatesville-based racer Hill, who will return for a second season with Right Karts by M2 Competition, was one of the best-performing rookies last season.
A race victory and numerous top ten placings to end the season in tenth overall were a fantastic result for a driver who almost literally stepped directly out of karts and into circuit racing with minimal seat time.
That overall win during his first season was a highlight, showing he had plenty of speed, but repeating that victory proved harder than he had imagined.
“The win was awesome,” he explained.
“I was hoping to carry that momentum throughout the season, instead of into the bank at Teretonga! I didn’t realise just how hard it is to win repeatedly in this championship, and I lacked the consistency I needed to win, something I aim to address this season.”
Hill has been hard at work, leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for his second season in the championship, and is also learning much from securing a place on Motorsport New Zealand’s Elite Motorsport Academy programme this year.
“I’m learning a lot in that environment and things like the academy training camp in Dunedin have been massive eye openers,” he added.
“The Academy really is next level and a world-class programme, and I know it will help make me a better athlete and help me make greater progress in my racing career.
“I’m also spending a lot of time in the gym working on strength and endurance, and getting out testing with the team to put all that winter work into practice and maximise my performance on track. I also have Jayden Gunderson as my mechanic and have Steve “Robbo” Robinson on the mic, so I have a really excellent team.”
With the support of Northland Toyota, 100% Extreme Appliances, Static Communicate, Apex Interiors, Yakka Contracting, Haier Appliances and Crème Insurance along with a solid season and a productive winter behind him – Hill is confident he’ll make a step forward in what promises to be another super-competitive season in the country’s leading one-make one-model championship.
“I believe I can race for podiums this season, why be there if not to win and give one hundred per cent?” he added.
“Consistent podiums are what’s needed to win the title, and I know I have a team behind me who can win races, so it’s up to me to deliver.”
The six-round Toyota GR86 Championship begins at the end of October with the first round at Hampton Downs on the international layout.
A break until the 9th–11th January is followed by a return to the North Waikato circuit, again on the long track.
The championship heads south two weeks later for the double header at Teretonga, 23-25 January, and the NZ Grand Prix meeting at Highlands the following weekend.
At the end of February, the penultimate round takes place at Manfeild – Circuit Chris Amon before the big finale at the Taupo Supercars round in April.
Header Image: Bruce Jenkins
