Cameron Hill arrived at Albert Park with only one top five and now he is a popular winner with one key objective proving critical.
Despite the boost of a maiden podium, having secured a first front row start on Thursday, Hill had a night to sleep on it and admitted there were some nerves.
But the Canberra based driver narrowed his focus to one moment and corner and it paid dividends.
All Hill worried about was beating pole sitter Broc Feeney into Turn 1 and he did just that.
From there he was never headed as he controlled the field like a veteran in a stop-start affair to become the 86th driver to win a ATCC/Supercars race.
“It is unreal,” Hill said after winning in his 58th race.
“I was pretty nervous before that one because I recognised the opportunity I had.
“My sole focus was to get to the first corner before Broc and managed to help Nick get through as well and he helped me out, so we did what they did to us yesterday.
“Thanks to Nick and the whole team.”
After being solid in Super2, but driving in the shadow of Triple Eight teammate Declan Fraser in 2022, he stepped up to the main game with MSR the following year and has shown impressive progress.
After emerging from his rookie season 23rd, Hill took a giant step forward last year by improving 10 positions in the standings.
But now he is starting to come to grips with the Gen3 Camaro, his confidence is growing along with the results.
“For me I have always been someone who just chips away at it and once I understand the car and how it responds and what I need from it, generally I have gone well,” he said.
“I feel now in my third year in the main game it is all starting to gel nicely.”
Just as delighted for Hill was the MSR team, which also celebrated a major milestone, scoring a first one-two triumph on its 214th race.
Team owner Matt Stone understandably could not wipe the smile off his face.
“It is fantastic. We love coming to the grand Prix and it has delivered again,” he told Auto Action.
“It is brilliant for Cam to get his first podium and then win.
“Then Nick drove a great race and was the perfect tail gunner to protect the one two.
“It was such a phenomenal effort from the whole team and both the drivers.
“Cam made a big progression from year one to year two, but still had a lot to learn.
“Coming into year three we wanted him to take that same step again and this weekend is evidence he has done that.
“He is putting in the effort and working well with the engineering team and delivering the results.”
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