SPRINTCAR racing is a family affair for the Hunters.
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Charles Hunter hits the track in their black, blue and yellow sprintcar each race, eager to perform at a high-level and make others' behind-the-scenes work worthwhile.
The Werribee-based driver is hoping to achieve a memorable feat in front of his family on Saturday night.
He enters the Sprintcar Racing Association of Victoria Series' final round at Allansford's Premier Speedway 26 points clear of Warrnambool driver and good mate Corey McCullagh.
Hunter, 37, wants to win for dad Charles Sr - known fondly as 'Butch' -, mum Sue, younger brother Heath, sister Nicole, daughter Billie, 14, and close friend Tam Lumsden who are all part of the team.
A $10,000 pay cheque would be a bonus.
"It is a big effort for us, just being a budget team," Hunter said.
"It'll be something pretty special because I think the highest I have finished in this series is fifth and to pay back my family for helping me over the years as well.
"It would be pretty special for them as well.
"We always do it as a family. It's made our bond stronger as a team over the years."
Hunter said he was rapt with his form entering the SRA Series' grand final, which will feature 50 cars, including top-line drivers fresh from the World Series Sprintcars' national circuit.
"Considering round four we were sitting 21st to now leading it with one round to go, I suppose it's a bit surreal," he said.
"We've had a good last month and a half. We changed cars after Christmas.
"I stepped into my brother's car. Everything is quick and I've felt comfortable in it.
"It's only a family-run deal so I have my brother and dad who set the car up and everything has fallen into place at the moment."
Hunter, whose parents are based in Cobden, knows McCullagh is a chance to surpass him on the overall points tally.
The A-Main will offer 200 points to the winner while 18th place in the feature race will collect 35 points.
Heat racing points will range from six to 55 points.
"I've got to finish every race in front of Corey or thereabouts," Hunter said.
"We are good mates off the track as well. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried.
"I know he's going to be thereabouts, he's good around there (being his home track) but at the end of the day I'll just give it what I've got and see what happens from there."
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