Hoping for home ground advantage

ONE of six competitors attempting to create history next week, Wayne Hill hopes a 'home ground' advantage will tip the scales in his favour.

Poised to contest the Australian Drivers' Championship, Hill is aiming to become the first dual winner of the series, having captured the title in 2016.

The other five in the same position as Hill are Queensland pair Nathan Dawson and Grant Dixon, Victorians James Herbertson and Chris Alford and West Australian superstar, Gary Hall junior.

Overall, a dozen drivers - two from each state - will clash over 10 heats at Globe Derby on December 29 for the honour of the nation's best for 2024.

Hill will form Team South Australia with top horsewoman Gaita Pullicino.

"I'm really looking forward to the night," Hill said. "It will be a fun evening and pretty hotly contested when you consider the quality of drivers in it.

"Hopefully knowing the track and the form of the local horses will help a little, but in the end, it comes down to luck.

"You need to draw the right horses and barriers in these races as it can make all the difference in the end.

"James Herbertson probably doesn't need as much luck as everything he's been driving lately is flying.

"With his form, he's the one to beat!"

With the event scheduled as a Sunday twilight program, Hill is also hoping for a strong crowd to build the kind of atmosphere such a tournament deserves.

"Given the quality of drivers coming from interstate, I really hope Globe Derby turns it on," Hill said. "It's a great chance to showcase South Australian harness racing and the club needs to do it justice.

"Hopefully there is plenty of promotion to draw in a good crowd and things such as a range of street food vans to not only attract people, but have them leaving thinking what a great time they had!"