Hill Brothers Racing Gears Up for 15th Annual Summer Shootout
A new chapter of the Summer Shootout at Lowe’s Motor Speedway will get underway in less than a week, and the Hill Brothers Racing team has two drivers looking for two different things in this year’s 15th version of the popular racing series. Nine-year-old Dalton Hill is looking for experience in his Bandolero, while his 14-year-old brother Austin Hill returns in the Semi-Pro class looking for that first victory and perhaps even a championship.
“I am really excited,” said Austin Hill. “I have been counting the days until the Shootout starts. I think it’s going to be a good year for us.”
Austin finished eighth in the 2007 Semi-Pro point standings, his season resulted in four top-ten finishes and a pair of top-five finishes, each coming in the final four weeks of the Summer Shootout. 2008 should be much move of the same thing with anticipation of his first career Legends victory at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
“This is the hardest track to win on because of all the competition,” added Austin. “If I could win a race here, it would be huge. It’s always been my dream to win at Lowe’s; hopefully that will happen this season.”
Austin knows how big the Summer Shootout is for exposure. He hopes that if they are prepared each week, they can run with the leaders in a class that was split into groups last season, thanks to over 50 cars showing up each week. This year will still be tough with over 40 registered drivers in the Semi-Pro ranks.
“I love racing here at night in front of the fans that really support us Legends drivers,” added Austin. “When that green flags drops, I have to be ready and have the mindset that if we stay out of trouble we can win a bunch of races this season.”
Younger brother Dalton Hill will be making his first start this season at Lowe’s in his Bandolero Bandit. This will also be a highly-competitive class with nearly 30 cars already entered for the 10-week schedule. Dalton will be logging laps as he is making the move from Quarter Midgets, where he was a Junior Novice Eastern Grand National Champion.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Dalton. “I hope we can get some good finishes to work off of for next season.”
The Summer Shootout starts on Tuesday, June 10th, and runs for ten weeks at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
Austin in the pits at Lowe's Motor Speedway. (51 Photo)
