Matthew Hillyer has clawed back to the top of the Australian Formula Ford Series after what was a dominant round at the 2023 Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton.
The 18-year-old started the weekend on the front foot having claimed pole position on Friday afternoon, setting himself up for plenty of clear track when it came to the race.
Taking full advantage of the position he had put himself in, Hillyer ultimately led from start to finish in each of the category’s three races throughout the weekend.
As a result of taking the maximum amount of points on offer in Winton, the Victorian has found himself back on top of the standings after losing it to series rival Zak Lobko during a forgettable round in Tasmania in May.
Hillyer knew how important It was to bounce back after a disappointing weekend in Tasmania and knew exactly what he needs to do to keep his series lead intact.
“It feels great, especially after Tassie didn’t go to plan, so to come back to home soil and take pole and three race wins was extraordinary and a big step in the right direction,” Hillyer said.
“Winton is where we have done our testing for the year, so that helps when it comes to racing and it transitioned out on the track last weekend.
“I have had a good start to the year with the first two round wins, but then in Tassie, we didn’t have everything go to plan so bouncing back is a huge confidence boost.
“We are taking it race by race at the moment, just focusing on my performance and leaving the title race in the back of my mind.
“I don’t like to think about it too much, I know the series lead is there, but I know if I can just do the best, I can do each round it will all come to show by the end of the year.”
With a lengthy break between rounds, Hillyer will have no shortage of time behind the wheel to prepare.
“I will have plenty of opportunities to keep everything sharp ahead of the next round,” Hillyer explained.
“We will do a couple of test days, and I’m racing this weekend in Sydney and then in a couple of weeks in Townsville as well.
“There is also training for myself in between all that, so the break will be good.”
The Australian Formula Ford Series will next take the track at the Sandown Raceway on 11-13 August.
