Within that though lies an opportunity to really showcase your talents. One driver in particular has really started to move forward as the season has been progressing. 19th - 11th - 5th - 3rd. That's a string of results that suggests confidence, and to get some understanding into the driver behind that I needed to chat to none other than Andrew Gilliam.

This year has a huge opportunity to seize the upper hand in the early stages of the championship. Last year we probably saw your more aggressive side seeking that race win, and it paid off. Are you driving a bit differently this year?

Last year was my final year of Uni and on a few occasions that bit me with poor preparation. I wasn’t consistent enough and so I drove for individual results whenever I was well prepared enough. Now that I’ve graduated and have some stability, I’m really looking to the bigger picture knowing we can put our best foot forward every race. With how ridiculously tight the field is this year; I don’t want to take any top 5 results for granted. If you lose your rhythm, it might be hard to get back to the front pack for a few rounds.

The drive from Jerez was long and arduous, and had an amazing time battling away with Marcello Rivera as well. Walk us through your emotions crossing the line in 3rd and getting that first podium in the series for Vermillion Motorsports.

That race honestly felt as big as my win at Detroit last year. With only 1 pitstop and a shorter race, less could go wrong and I could rely on the genuine pace we had. At Jerez, we had to learn how to manage the tyres better than we ever had before. Curtis studied our data to give me clean air, half a litre at the line, and a tyre advantage over Marcello. If anyone in our team had dropped the ball that podium wouldn’t have been possible. I had so much support behind me, and coming up to the last few corners knowing a move wasn’t possible, I can’t express how thrilled I was to reward everyone’s huge efforts.

Wednesday night we’re off to Watkins Glen, a race that is touted as the “Bull Ring” race of the season. Last year’s result was good enough for 4th position. How's the preparations for this year’s event looking, and can you go one better this year?

I agree it’s a tough event. If you can’t nail qualifying you’re locked into a tough night with how difficult the overtaking is, especially once we settle into a draft train. Preparations are looking good and I’m confident we can build on the momentum of the last few rounds to stay in that top 5 pack.

Something that's going to become relevant later in the year is the co-drivers for the 3 round endurance cup. Has your co-driver been locked in as yet, and can you fill us in on who it is? How’s the rest of the Vermillion crew looking? I’d imagine that would be a bit of a challenge with a new team building out the co-driver roster.

We have a decent idea of who will be with who at this stage, but nothing is locked in yet. We have a strong line up of drivers who are developing their skills in V8SCOPS and East Coast and practice with us eager to perform when we need them.

Last year you picked off a race win on the streets of Belle Isle in Detroit. Can we finally see that round win this year and do you have a track in particular you think is your best shot?

I genuinely believe that I can come into any of the remaining rounds with a shot at the round win. I have plenty of experience racing at the rest of the circuits, so I have a good idea of what’s expected to be performing at the top. If any though, I would love to break through for a result at Bathurst. I’ve had 3 V8SCOPS poles in a row and started alongside James in the Pro Invitational Series round last year but have suffered some bad luck and always had to switch to recovery mode.

What I get from Andrew is that sense of self belief, both in his own abilities and those around him. The Vermillion crew are starting to put all the right pieces of the puzzle together.

This is going to be a big year, a big opportunity, time for Gilliam to reach out and grab it.