Wayne Hill Ready For ADC Title Defence

HAVING made the most of his opportunity last season, Wayne Hill is hoping luck shines upon him again when he heads to Tasmania next week.

In what will be his first trip to the Apple Isle, Hill is heading across Bass Strait to defend his Australian Driving Championship title.

Hill captured the coveted crown by outscoring a host of the nation’s top drivers at his home track – Globe Derby – last year.

Hill’s involvement in the series was only made possible when his sister, Dani, was suspended a week before the tournament started.

Given a late call-up to represent South Australia, Hill edged out fellow ‘Crow eater’ Ryan Hryhorec, with Western Australia’s Gary Hall junior third.

“I was lucky to find my way into the series as the emergency, but I made the most of my chances,” Wayne said. “Hopefully I can get a bit of luck this year as well.

“In a series like this you need a couple of decent draws and a couple of decent horses, which hopefully will come my way.

“This will be my first trip Tassie and hopefully a successful one. It is a privileged to be representing my state and driving against such great drivers.

“Dani has been chosen to represent South Australia again, and we’re pretty competitive with each other, so bragging rights are certainly up for grabs.”

The ADC is scheduled to be held in Hobart on Saturday, October 28 – 24 hours after Harness Racing SA’s night of nostalgia, fun and entertainment at the state’s former home, Wayville.

Representatives from each state will contest six heats, with the title decided on points.

“I’ve got Mildura on Thursday night, Wayville on Friday night and then Hobart on Saturday night, so it will be a busy few days,” Hill said. “That’s probably a good thing as I won’t be looking too much about it.

“I’m looking forward to getting down there and having a look at the track, plus seeing what draws I get.”

Following his father Gary into the industry, Hill began driving in the pony trots before eventually gaining his racing licence and developing into one of SA’s leading reinsmen.

Despite his bloodlines, Hill admits he didn’t take driving seriously as a teenager.

As such, he has offered a piece of advice for the new generation looking to forge careers within the industry.

“I just basically kept going from the family involvement, starting with the pony trots when I was five or six,” Hill said. “I started driving in unregistered trials when I was about 15.

“I was always keen to drive, but didn’t take it as seriously as I should have when I was younger as I my attention was on other things as a teenager.

“Looking back wish I was a bit more focused, which is something I tell the younger drivers…make the most of their early opportunities while you have a claim and put in all the hard yards.”

• PAUL COURTS