Bathurst crash rules Matthew Hillyer out of Gold Coast event

WALKINSHAW ANDRETTI UNITED has announced the withdrawal of Matthew Hillyer from the final round of the Toyota GR Cup for season 2024.

The team will not compete on the Gold Coast, due to damage sustained in Sunday’s race at Bathurst.

Hillyer suffered a 63G crash at the mountain, colliding with both sides of the track, suffering a head-on collision with the wall. 

Thankfully he was not severely injured in the crash, walking away with minor bruising, but it was a bleak end to a disastrous weekend for the talented driver.

The damage to the Morris No.2 could not be repaired in time for the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, commencing on the 25th of October.

The team commend Hillyer on an incredible season, highlighted by a six-race winning streak, as he recorded a perfect run at both Sydney and Sandown.

The Walkinshaw Andretti United Toyota displayed promising signs heading into Bathurst, taking the first fastest lap of the weekend for the GR Cup in Practice 1 on Thursday.

From Qualifying on Saturday, it seemed not to be for the team, Hillyer first out of the pits but struggled for grip.

Hillyer commented on the outcome, expressing his sadness in the result as well as his appreciation for his team:

“It’s really disappointing to be missing the final round, but I can’t thank everyone enough for the work that’s gone into trying to get back on the grid since immediately after the race on Sunday. There’s a lot of people that have been doing everything they can,” he said.

“I would have loved to be there fighting for the championship for everyone, but I’ll still look back on this year really proudly on what we have achieved together.”

“A huge thank you to our partners who have made this year possible, Morris, Lloyds Auctions, Boswen, AGJ Cartage, Mentone Pre-Mix, Monster Off Road Wheels, Kangan Institute, Driver Dynamics, and Raceline Motorsport Racewear, we wouldn’t have been in this position without their support.”

“But also, to the entire Walkinshaw Andretti United team, my family, and everyone who’s been involved in the programme for their work all year, I wish we could have finished on a better note. Looking forward to supporting the team at the Gold Coast next weekend, and whatever 2025 brings.”

The team will announce its plans for the WAU Foundation Academy programmes for 2025 in the near future.