AT just 21 years of age, rising Ipswich driver Hudson “Hotlaps” James has announced himself as one to watch in the V8 SuperUte Series after producing a remarkable top-10 finish on debut at Sydney Motorsport Park and heading into round two in Hobart next weekend.
Competing against a stacked field of 21 drivers, James exceeded even his own expectations in the highly competitive national category.
“I certainly was not expecting a top 10 result in my debut,” he said. “It was an outstanding result for the team.”
The impressive performance came despite facing a steep learning curve adapting not only to a new category, but also a completely different style of racing machinery and an unfamiliar circuit.
Stepping from sedan racing into the world of V8 SuperUtes required major adjustments, both on and off the track.
“It’s definitely more competitive and aggressive,” James said.
“Although I’ve seen the aggression as a spectator, I was taken back with how intense the environment was when part of the field.
“However, by the third race my confidence began to increase and I now have a clearer idea as to the style I need to adopt in the SuperUte Series.”
James credits much of his development during the weekend to teammate and mentor Cameron Crick.
“I learnt a lot from him, he went on a track walk with me, explaining what to do on each corner, as well as sitting with me as we analysed the data regarding acceleration and braking patterns,” he said.
“He’s a wonderful support and great mentor.”
The preparation for round two in Hobart has already intensified, with James focused on both physical and mental training.
“I’ve been training a lot with Luke King from Focus Driver Performance and strategic planning with my Team Manager Rod Dawson, while also mentally preparing myself and keeping fit,” he said.
“The team was pleased with my consistency in the first round and my ability to navigate a track I’ve never raced on.
“However, they have encouraged me to be more aggressive, while not overdriving the car in order to minimise the risk of making errors.”
For James, momentum early in the season will be critical.
While he describes 2026 as a “training year”, his long-term ambitions are already clear.
“This year for me is a training year as I learn the car, driving styles and new tracks that I’ve never raced at before, in preparation to be at the forefront for the 2027 season,” he said.
