MSR 2024 season review: The new David taking on the Goliaths
As 2024 winds down, Supercars.com is looking over all 11 teams and their performances in this year's Repco Supercars Championship, continuing with Matt Stone Racing.
After climbing to the top step of the podium for the first time ever with Jack Le Brocq in 2023, a new spearhead was needed when the 32-year-old returned home to Erebus Motorsport.
In his place came Nick Percat, who's stock had arguably never been lower after two torrid seasons at Walkinshaw Andretti United mustered championship placings of 15th and 20th.
Few could've predicted just how quickly Percat's career revival would occur, with the 2011 Bathurst winner back to his Brad Jones Racing best of dragging a smaller team to results well above expectation.
His drive to fend off both of the Red Bull Camaros in Melbourne was exceptional, whilst his second win of the season in Tasmania came under just as much pressure from former teammate Chaz Mostert.
Percat's performances also dragged sophomore teammate Cameron Hill to a new level this year as well, with the Canberran keeping Percat more than honest in qualifying throughout the season.
For a time it looked as though MSR would potentially wrap up a top five finish in the championship, ditto Percat, however a poor end to the season for the 36-year-old sunk those hopes.
Seventh in the teams' standings is still the best ever result for MSR since joining the championship in 2018, whilst seventh for Percat is also the best result for any MSR driver in their history.
Matt Stone Racing: 2024 season results and head-to-heads
Drivers' finish: Nick Percat 8th, Cameron Hill 13th
Teams' finish: 7th
Best result: 1st (Nick Percat, Melbourne Race 6, Tasmania Race 17)
Qualifying head to head: Nick Percat 14, Cameron Hill 10
Race head to head: Nick Percat 16, Cameron Hill 8
What’s next in 2025?
Team owner Matt Stone has stated that both of his drivers have the potential to be part of the 10-strong Finals contingent who will fight for the 2025 championship.
Whilst Percat's season was a very welcome return to form, there was a considerable slump at the end of the season from the enduros onwards.
If he wants a solid Finals berth this can't happen again next year, however if the rumours are to be believed, he will get an A-grade co-driver in Tim Slade for next season.
Cam Hill's season was a massive improvement on his rookie year, moving up 10 places from his 23rd place finish last year and picking up his personal best result to start the season with a 5th at the Bathurst 500.
If this trend can continue into next season, then there very well could be two MSR Camaros knocking on the door of the top 10 at the conclusion of the Enduro Cup.
