Harris Test Drives FPR Winning V8 Supercar
V8 Utes competitor Ryal “The Kid” Harris, was one step closer to realising his motorsport dream yeserday, when he jumped behind the wheel of David Reynolds’ Ford Performance Racing V8 Supercar in a one day test at Winton Raceway.
Gold Coaster Harris was awarded the test drive after winning the 2012 ENZED Drivers Championship, and is leading this year’s series by just 39 points heading into the final round of the 2013 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by ARMOR ALL – as part of the Sydney 500 from December 6-8.
The local fashion designer couldn’t have been happier with his performance yesterday, having thoroughly enjoyed his time in a V8 Supercar. He hopes it wasn't his last.
“It’s only my second time in a V8 Supercar – I only did about 15 laps two years ago, so my knowledge was very limited," Harris said.
"They (FPR) were happy, I got faster and faster as the day went on, and it wasn’t about the lap times it was about improving. It was great having the data, they told me how to improve each time and I went out and did it straight away I absolutely loved the experience and am really grateful to FPR."
The test drive was awarded by Ford and FPR to the highest scoring Ford driver in the 2012 V8 Ute Championship, and FPR team manager Tim Edwards was pleased with the 28 year old's ability.
“Ryal has impressed in his first proper outing in a V8 Supercar," Edwards said.
"Coming from the Ute Series it is obviously a decent jump but the good thing is he is used to having a roof over his head and the control layout is similar so he handled the adjustment well.
"He worked well with our engineers, gave solid, thoughtful feedback and completed a number of runs without drama so you can see why he won last year’s ute title and is leading again this year. It is also great that we’ve been able to assist the development of Ford drivers from other categories who aspire to race V8 Supercars. From Formula Ford, through utes and the Development Series there is a strong lineage of Blue Oval options and Ryal proved there is talent coming through the ranks which is encouraging for all Ford fans."
Harris has five drivers hot on his heels to take out this year’s V8 Utes ENZED Drivers Championship and is feeling confident coming into the last round.
“I’m feeling confident, after winning Race Two on the Gold Coast we know we have our car speed back and with a 39 point lead we just need to stay out of trouble and stay up toward the front, we are going to go there (Sydney) to try and get a podium but bring home the title.
"The team's off to Las Vegas next week with Tapout worldwide so hopefully we can win the Championship again and step up with them next year, I’m hoping to step into Supercars but if not I’m still happy to stay in the Utes,” said Harris.
With 140 points still up for grabs in the final round of the Series, the Sydney 500 is sure to be action packed, with just 39 points separating leader Harris (Tapout Energy Racing) who is on 782, from Rhys McNally (743, Stratco Racing), with the top five rounded out by David Sieders (741, Mine Site Fencing Australia), Nathan Pretty (741, Milwaukee Racing) and Kim Jane (Bob Jane T-Marts) and Kris Walton (Rentco) both on 681.
Tickets are available for the Sydney 500, the grand finale for both the V8 Utes and V8 Supercars.
