Michael Barker has won the opening round of the CAMS Victorian Hill Climb Championship after putting on a brilliant display at the Rob Roy Hillclimb.

Heading into the round as one of the favourites after winning last year’s corresponding round, Barker lived up to all expectations by posting the fastest time in all four runs of the event.

Barker came agonisingly close to breaking the 20-second mark during his final run of the day, his winning time of 20.05 too strong for the field of more than 80 drivers.

Finishing behind Barker in outright second was David Mahon who pulled off a stunning performance to pip four-time Victorian outright champion Gary Martin.

Despite making risky changes to his car in the lead up, a surprised Barker was thrilled to win the round as he begins his bid for the 2019 state championship title.

“I am thrilled I must admit,” Barker said.

"Considering where I started in the lead up for this event when I changed the engine, the car was fighting me all the way, to the point that I was thinking about using another car.

“My expectation was Garry Martin and David Mahon would be battling for outright and my aim was to just get the car running.

“On the day though, I had no real idea what this motor would do but it’s worked well and I have ended the day on 20 points and in a good position for the title.”