Ayrton Hodson has continued his rapid rise in Aussie Racing Cars, leaving Symmons Plains Raceway sitting equal first at the top of the championship after a standout weekend at the Tasmania Super 440.
The young Gold Coast-based driver was named Rookie of the Round and finished third overall on points for the weekend, delivering another major statement in what is quickly becoming one of the most exciting rookie campaigns in the category. The result was made even more impressive by the challenges Hodson was forced to overcome across the round.
In Race 1, a timing issue pushed him back four spots, costing him valuable track position early in the weekend. Then in Race 4, engine drama threatened to derail his charge. Despite both setbacks, Hodson kept his head down and continued to bank strong results, ultimately walking away from Tasmania with silverware, serious championship points and the equal series lead.
For Hodson, the weekend cemented that the goal for a podium-winning season in Aussie Racing Cars is gaining serious momentum.
“To come away from Tasmania equal first in the championship, Rookie of the Round and third overall for the weekend is pretty special,” Hodson said.
“We definitely had a few things go against us, especially being pushed back in Race 1 and then dealing with engine drama in Race 4, but we just kept fighting. The pace was there, the team did an awesome job, and we managed to turn a tough weekend into a really strong result.”
The Symmons Plains performance follows Hodson’s impressive Aussie Racing Cars debut at Bathurst, where he finished third overall for the round. With two rounds now complete, Hodson has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young names in the
field.
His attention now turns to the next major milestone in his 2026 season, with the upcoming Dunlop Super2 Series round at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin from 19 to 21 June. The Darwin event will mark another key opportunity for Hodson to continue building his profile across multiple national categories, as he balances his Aussie Racing Cars title charge with his Super2 commitments.
“All focus now shifts to Darwin,” Hodson said.
“Super2 is a massive part of what we’re building this year, and Hidden Valley is going to be a really important round. We’ve got plenty to work on between now and then, but the momentum is there, and I’m feeling really confident.”
Hodson’s camp has also teased more news, with a major announcement expected next week.
“There’s some really exciting news coming next week, so there’s a lot happening behind the scenes,” Hodson added.
“We’re building momentum on and off the track, and I’m really grateful for everyone who is backing the journey.”
With an equal championship lead in Aussie Racing Cars, a Rookie of the Round title and his next Super2 appearance on the horizon, Hodson is quickly proving he is a young driver to watch in 2026.
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