Rookie Hughes keen to build on ‘unreal’ start
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 4 July 2024
Super2 rookie Jarrod Hughes is determined to build on an “unreal” start to life in the Dunlop Series, which returns at Townsville this weekend.
Hughes, who has made the big jump from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia GR Cup to Super2 in 2024, currently sits 10th in the championship.
The Image Racing youngster could be even higher with his run of top 10 finishes broken when he hit the oil left by Mason Kelly’s fire on the Sunday at Wanneroo.
At that point only championship leaders Kai Allen, Aaron Cameron and Supercars wildcard Lochie Dalton could lay claim to starting the year with a hat-trick of top 10s.
Despite bad luck causing Hughes to go off and finish 18th and slip from fourth to 10th in the standings, Hughes is delighted with how he has adjusted to life in the second tier so far.
“To be honest it has been an absolutely unreal start to the year,” Hughes told AUTO ACTION.
Jarrod Hughes is looking forward to his third Super2 round. Image: Pace Images
“Being at Bathurst I knew there were going to be some differences between a Supercar and Toyota 86 but it was unbelievable.
“I had been dreaming to race a Supercar around Bathurst for a long time and to get two top 10s was very special.
“Perth was a new track for me and we were pretty quick out of the gates. We had a bit of a clutch drama and I ran out of talent, but recovered.
“On Sunday we were going pretty good but unfortunately when Mason Kelly blew his engine up I was one of the first behind him and hit the oil and see you later.
“To take some positives we were fourth in the championship at the end of Saturday, which is pretty cool.
“We have gone a little bit down in the order though, but I am still very happy with what we have done so far.”
Hughes prepared for his elevation to Super2 by doing lots of practice around Norwell Motorplex, whilst continual work with the experienced Image Racing crew has helped him already smash his pre-season goals.
“I think Terry (Wyhoon) and the rest of the team and myself were not expecting this start,” he said.
“But the whole Image Racing team has been so welcoming and helpful for me finding the ropes with the car and tracks.
“For me it goes back to what I have learnt at Norwell and it has just gelled.
Jarrod Hughes taking on “The bowl” where it went wrong on Sunday. Image: Pace Images
“As soon as I started driving the (ZB Commodore) it felt natural and I am actually less nervous racing this than the 86 which does not make a lot of sense with about six 86 engines under the bonnet!”
Unlike Wanneroo, Townsville is a track Hughes knows well with two Toyota 86 appearances.
Although last year was a challenging one, he took pole back in 2022 and enjoys the hybrid street track.
“I love Townsville and just can’t wait for it,” he said.
“I have always been strong there in the 86, we had a lot of dramas with it last year (but) I am really looking forward to having a crack in a Super2 car, it is such a cool place.
“From what I have seen and Terry has told me they have been pretty competitive so hopefully we can exploit that.”
Jarrod Hughes in the American Muscle Trucks Mustang while competing at QLD Raceway in the 2024 TA2 Muscle Car Super Series
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