Matt Stone Racing rookie Cameron Hill is excited for the upcoming season, not just because it will be his first in the Repco Supercars Championship as the Gen3 regulations are expected to prove a great equaliser.
Bringing a strong pedigree in the junior formulas with him after winning the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia title and an impressive Super2 season with Triple Eight race Engineering last year as he finished fifth.
It proved a breakthrough year for Hill as he made his maiden appearance in the Repco Bathurst 1000, teaming with Chris Pither in the Coca-Cola PremiAir Racing Holden ZB Commodore.
Hill believes his lack of experience will be advantageous considering the changes between the two regulation sets.
“I think it’s a good thing I drove less of the previous generation compared to someone like Jack (Le Brocq), who notices the difference between the ZB and the Gen3 Camaro more,” Hill explained.
“Whereas for me, the Super2 VF didn’t have as much downforce anyway so the jump is not as big. It’s still a Supercar in its nature and DNA, so for me I haven’t had to re-learn anything, just refinement with small adaptions.
“It’s not like I have a heap of habits that I need to get rid of, I’m starting from a cleaner sheet and hopefully I can pick up what works for Gen3 quickly.
“There’s definitely an element of level playing field, I think that’s the way everyone is looking at it. This is the most level it’s been ever.”
Reflecting on he and the team’s preparations for Newcastle, Hill is delighted by the build up.
“I’m pretty excited,” said Hill “There are some nerves, but I’m thinking that’s probably a good thing considering the enormity of it all. If I wasn’t nervous, something wouldn’t be right.
“I’ve had a decent amount of time testing in the car. It’s been good to get laps and the great thing is the new car has almost run faultlessly – there have been a couple of little teething things we’ve been very quick to get on top of.
“On the last test day, we did some long runs and I felt pretty comfortable, but it’s going to be a completely different ball game when we get to Newcastle to do two 250km races.
Moving into the team has been seamless for Hill after running his family-orientated squad during his formative years.
“I’ve enjoyed gelling with them as it’s a similar vibe to how I’ve done my racing previously entering my own family-run operation and now I’m in Matt’s team, which has the same atmosphere with an awesome culture,” Hill said.
“All the personnel there are super passionate and really want to see the best for Matt Stone Racing. It’s going to be a great year working with these guys.”
The same can be said for his teammate Jack Le Brocq, as Hill will utilise his experience during the season.
“Jack (Le Brocq) is really easy and good to get along with,” said Hill.
“For me as a rookie, I’m lucky to have a teammate who has been in the game for a couple of years now, he can impart some of those really specific driver things to me. It is definitely an advantage.”