The maiden Sandown 500 for Cameron Hill has displayed further progress in his development despite failing to reach the conclusion of the race.
It was the first time in four years the Sandown 500 was held and the historic event marked the first endurance test for the new Gen3 Supercars.
Sandown’s usually fickle weather failed to appear across the three-day event as Hill prepared for his first endurance race as a primary driver, with the Canberran joined by Super2 race winner Jaylyn Robotham.
Building a strong relationship ahead of the event at test and ride days, the pairing continued to progress across the weekend. Three practice sessions on Friday led to a frantic opening day schedule as both Hill and Robotham split the driving duties as qualifying runs were mixed with race simulation.
Saturday provided just two sessions for the Truck Assist Racing duo, with another practice session followed by qualifying. Further race simulation followed, which included pit stops and driver changes as preparations ramped up.
Qualifying led to a solid 12th on the grid as Hill just missed a maiden berth in the Top 10 Shootout by just 0.06s. Heading out for his last run, Hill was overtaken early during his warm up lap resulting in missing a slipstream from his teammate and potentially costing him a shot at the one lap dash.
Warm up provided further running for Robotham as he prepared to start the race as pit stop and driver change practice underwent final preparations.
A solid start from Robotham placed the Truck Assist Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 inside the top 10 for his entire opening stint before pitting on lap 20 under safety car as it led the Truck Assist Racing attack.
Robotham led a few laps before he pitted on lap 61 to end a solid opening stint to switch with Hill to bring it home as the compulsory brake caliper change was completed. Coming out in 23rd, Hill made steady progress to be seventh when he was called into the pits on lap 93.
Holding 15th for much of his stint, Hill again held a top 10 position when he entered pit lane again on lap 128 for the final stop of his race. Returning to the action in 18th, the Truck Assist Racing Camaro rose again to 14th before disaster struck approaching Turn 9 when a damper bolt failed.
Although a disappointing finish, Hill and Robotham led their more experienced teammates throughout the day, with the chance of a climb into the top 10 possible.
Hill, Robotham and Truck Assist Racing will regroup ahead of the 60th anniversary Repco Bathurst 1000 to be held at Mount Panorama on October 5-8.
QUOTES
Cameron Hill
#35 Truck Assist Racing, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
“We were having a pretty good day and trucking along in 14th when unfortunately a damper bolt broke, which fired me into the fence ending our race,” Hill explained.
“A real shame. Another one where we’ve had something happen that cost us a result, but I just have to thank the whole team at Matt Stone Racing for all the hard work they’ve put in this weekend. My co-driver Jaylyn did an excellent job all weekend.
“It wasn’t our turn this time, it’s bound to be our turn soon.
“We’ll be eyes forward to Bathurst.”
Jaylyn Robotham
#35 Truck Assist Racing, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
“We didn’t get the result as we wanted today,” said Robotham.
“We were having a good run, but it was a bit unfortunate how our race ended. It’s been cool to work with Cam, we get along, we’re the same height making it a lot easier at the pit stops and driver changes.
“A big shout out to the Matt Stone Racing crew for being so welcoming. I feel apart of the family and I am looking forward to Bathurst.”
