American racer Bill Hynes is preparing for a congested schedule at the Clipsal 500 after confirming plans to compete in both the Stadium Super Trucks and the Aussie Racing Cars.
Hynes, a regular in the Stadium Super Trucks since the category’s inception, will make his Aussie Racing Cars debut in Sean Rose’s Redcliffe Wrecking entry, with support from the Norwell Motorplex, multi-platinum rock band Live and Team UFD.
His Stadium Super Truck will carry support from South Australian company Fleurieu Milk and Hynes was keen to draw an alignment between that partnership and his relationship with the Indianapolis 500, where the winner has drunk milk in victory lane since 1936.
Hynes, 45, is from Nazareth Pennsylvania, hometown of the Andretti family, and has been a long-time supporter of IndyCar operation Andretti Autosport through his relationship with UFD.
Hynes and UFD have long-term ties to Australia with UFD having been a sponsor of Matt Brabham in his Pro Mazda and Indy Lights seasons at Andretti Autosport.
“It has been incredible to have been in victory lane a couple of times at the Indy 500 and it is our goal to have some solid results in Adelaide and maybe drink some great South Australian Fleurieu Milk to celebrate,” said Hynes.
“Maybe we can start a new tradition of our own.”
While Hynes has driven a host of different cars in the US in recent years, he will be getting behind the wheel of an Aussie Race Car for the first time on Thursday at the famous Clipsal 500 event.
“I first saw these cars at one of the V8 Supercar rounds and they looked fun to drive,” said Hynes.
“Last year while training at the Norwell Motorplex, Paul Morris had the opportunity to test one of the cars and I was able to get a closer look at them.
“About four weeks ago Paul (Morris) called me up and asked me if I would like to give it a crack and I jumped at the chance.
“The Clipsal 500, is one of the best built tracks and events in the world, furthermore the fans in Australia are amazing.
“They are true racing enthusiasts that absolutely love all forms of racing and they really appreciate all of the drivers.
“To have the opportunity to race in two categories was one that I could not pass up.”
Hynes will be extremely busy on Thursday with no less than two practice sessions and qualifying before ending the day with back-to-back races in both categories.
“Anytime you can jump into another category and throw down some laps down on a track I think it makes you a better driver,” said Hynes.
“Double duty is going to be a challenge for sure, and the talent level in both categories is insane.
“I have some great Aussie mates like Paul Morris, Matt Mingay, Greg Gartner & Toby Price that are always around giving me advice and support. Those blokes are absolute legends and to have them on my side is truly an advantage.
“I’m just going to try to keep a solid pace, keep the car & truck clean, and hopefully I can make a solid run and have some fun this weekend.”
The Stadium Super Trucks are also set to run on the program at the Supercar event in Perth from May 5-7, but will not be on the program in Townsville or the Gold Coast.
BILL HYNES’ CLIPSAL 500 SCHEDULE
Thursday
8.40am – Aussie Race Cars – Practice 1 (20 mins)
11.55am – Stadium Super Trucks – Practice 1 (20 mins)
3pm – Aussie Race Cars – Qualifying (20 mins)
5.50pm – Aussie Race Cars – Race 1 (7 Laps)
6.20pm – Stadium Super Trucks – Race 1 (8 Laps)
Friday
12.45pm – Stadium Super Trucks – Race 2 (8 Laps)
3.50pm – Aussie Race Cars – Race 2 (11 Laps)
Saturday
8.35am – Aussie Race Cars – Race 3 (11 Laps)
1.30pm – Stadium Super Trucks – Race 3 (8 Laps)
Sunday
8.45am – Aussie Race Cars – Race 4 (7 Laps)
2.15pm – Stadium Super Trucks – Race 4 (8 Laps)
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