JAY Hanson has circled his crash in the opening race at Bathurst as the biggest disappointment of his second Super2 season.
The TCR Australia race winner enjoyed an improved campaign amid heightened competition, beginning with a round podium in Newcastle.
He wound up sixth in the standings, with his Bathurst DNF ultimately costing him a top five ranking.
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Hanson had been running third when he slapped the wall at Sulman Park on Lap 8 of 18, throwing away a potential maiden top three race finish and a stack of points.
“The most difficult moment throughout the year would probably be Bathurst,” reflected the 20-year-old Image Racing driver.
“We were really working our way up through the field and another podium for the year would’ve been great for the team and our championship points.
“What better place to have a podium than at Bathurst?
“It was a mistake on my behalf but in saying that, we’ve had other moments throughout the year that weren’t necessarily my fault but I think that was a critical moment in our championship that let us down a bit.”
Nevertheless, there’s reason to smile about the year it has been, which has brought him closer to a possible Repco Supercars Championship debut in 2024 as either a co-driver or wildcard.
“Last year was a massive learning year for me and we kind of got thrown in the deep end with barely even a test day before the first round,” said the Erebus Motorsport-aligned talent.
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“We were a lot more prepared and experienced and comfortable heading into the first round at Newcastle and we started off really well with a podium… I would say it’s been a pretty successful year for us.
“There have definitely been moments that have set us back, whether it be the car or myself, but I think we’ve definitely grown as a group and were able to progress throughout the year.
“It’s definitely been another big learning year for myself and there’s a lot I will be taking out of the year that I know is going to benefit myself and the team in the future.”
