Gold Coast based V8 Ute drivers, Ryal The Kid Harris and Jesse Jedi Dixon, have been named as two of the contestants in the 2012 Shannons Supercar Showdown, vying for a chance to win a drive in a V8 Supercar alongside former Ute racer and TV Host Grant Denyer at this years 50th Anniversary Bathurst 1000.
They will race off against 8 other contestants from around the country, New Zealand and the USA. The prize is backed by Kelly Racing with Todd and Rick Kelly on the panel of judges, the team will also help prepare the Shannons Racing entry.
Harris is currently running second in the ENZED Drivers Championship, and if he wins the prize he will have a busy weekend, also racing in Round 6 of the 2012 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Seriesprotected by Armor All. Harris tested a V8 Supercar back in 2010 and would love the chance to race one.
Its such a great experience, Todd and Rick are great mentors and the show has been full of excitement. It would be fantastic to get behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar again. I think I did really well last time and have a great record at Bathurst, winning there in the Ute last year and hopefully I can race both this year, said Harris.
Dixon debuted in a V8 Ute earlier in the year, the first recipient of the Chris Pither Scholarshippowered by Ice Break. The 19 year old drove the Ice Break Racing Holden at both Tasmania and Perth, impressing on both occasions, and is enjoying every moment of the show.
The show is lots of fun and were doing some really cool stuff. Everyone on the show has been fantastic, Grants been really approachable with some great advice, and also Rick and Todd have been great! Theyre so open and keep us realistic about the whole situation, and keep the nerves down as well, said Dixon.
Bathurst has been a lifelong dream for the young-gun and he feels its now within his grasp.
Ever since Ive been a little kid, racing at Bathurst has always been a dream of mine and now its in reach. Im going to give it everything Ive got, said Dixon.
Denyer won the V8 Ute Rookie of the Year Award when the series launched in 2001, and went on to win many V8 Ute races before stepping up to V8 Supercars in 2004, going on to win the Mike Kable V8 Supercar Rookie of the Year Award, and finishing 9th at Bathurst with Dick Johnson Racing.
Its a great endorsement for the V8 Ute Series that two current ute racers have been chosen to be part of the final top 10 runoff for the Supercar Showdown. Jesse and Ryal are both good drivers and I would love the opportunity to drive with either of them. I think they both have what it takes to progress into V8 Supercars, and I wish them the best of luck, said Denyer.
The show will air on 7Mate next Monday at 6:30pm with the winners announced the weekend prior to Bathurst, which is the next round of the Series, 47 October.
