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Gold Coast 2026 Debut: Hughes Welcomes Wet Weather Challenge in Supercars

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Rizaldi Maulana
Rizaldi Maulana
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Gold Coast 2026 Debut: Hughes Welcomes Wet Weather Challenge in Supercars
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Photo: Richard Gresham

Rising motorsport talent Hughes is bracing himself for the biggest test of his career as he prepares to make his very first single-driver start in the fiercely competitive Supercars championship. The 21-year-old steps into this major opportunity following a strategic post-Bathurst 1000 driver shuffle within the General Motors stable, reshaping the grid for the final stretch of the season.

The young Queenslander has slotted comfortably into the #99 Erebus Camaro, a machine previously campaigned by Cooper Murray. The subsequent changes saw Murray move across to replace Declan Fraser at PremiAir Racing in a domino effect that has shaken up the paddock hierarchy ahead of the grueling street circuit showdown.

Transitioning into the new seat comes relatively smoothly for the rookie, who is already well acquainted with the team and their machinery. He previously shared the cockpit alongside his current teammate Jobe Stewart during the demanding Enduro Cup campaign, establishing a solid working relationship within the technical garage.

Debut Emas Supercars 2026: Hughes Siap Hadapi Tantangan Trek Basah Gold Coast
Baca JugaDebut Emas Supercars 2026: Hughes Siap Hadapi Tantangan Trek Basah Gold Coast

That endurance partnership included a standout performance from Hughes during a torrential downpour at The Bend 500, where he carved his way brilliantly through a chaotic field and even managed to lead a substantial portion of the race, showcasing elite car control in low-grip conditions.

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While several seasoned Supercars veterans have openly voiced concerns regarding the treacherous nature of the Surfers Paradise street circuit if Mother Nature decides to intervene with rain, Hughes is actively welcoming the added variable. "I do love the wet weather," he stated firmly.

Reflecting on his breakthrough moment, he acknowledged the pivotal role that slippery conditions played in his career progression. "The Bend race when it was torrential rain, that’s probably what put me on the map for this drive, to be honest," he noted, while expressing excitement for the upcoming battles on track.

Achieving a full-time drive in the elite category represents the culmination of a lifelong dream for Hughes, who has climbed the junior ranks with steadfast backing from General Motors and his inner circle. "I’ve been working for this for 11 years. My whole life has been based around this, and all my supporters, my family, everything has gone into making this a reality," he concluded.

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