Gold Coast racer Ryal The Kid Harris edged closer to series leader Nathan Pretty by taking pole position and a bunch of qualifying points for Round 5 of the Auto One V8 Ute Seriesprotected by Armor All at Mt Panorama this afternoon (Friday, 5th October).
Pretty leads the series in the Monster Holden, however Harris in the Rexel/Roylances Ford is closing in after a superb qualifying lap to take the Armor All Pole Award by just 2/10ths of a second. Harris backed up his pole position from last year with a stunning lap of 2.34.36, almost 1 second faster than his pole time last year, and moving him to within 6 points of Prettys series lead in the ENZED Drivers Championship.
David Sieders was third fastest ahead of Rentco Racings Kris Walton, Andrew Fisher in the Jesus Ford and Sydneys Jack Elsegood, with new backing this weekend from Trend Micro.
Big Gun Racing has given me a fast ute, and its good to prove that last years pole was not a one off. I am absolutely focused on the Championship now to reward Peter Burnitt for his faith in me, so I cant wait for tomorrows race, Harris said.
Perths Jake McNally put in another impressive run in the Stratco Holden and was 7th overall, ahead of Ryan Hansford, Cameron McConville and Craig Dontas. McConville struggled in the Bundaberg Holden with set up issues, splitting his seat time in the Ute with his V8 Supercar sessions as James Courtneys co-driver in the Toll/HRT Holden.
Gerard McLeod, son of 1987 Bathurst winner Peter McLeod, impressed in his rookie year, to be 13th fastest in the MacMahon Holden, just behind another rookie Tom Williamson. Williamsons Bathurst debut has been very solid, until he clouted the wall in the Esses during the final minutes of qualifying, damaging the rear tub of the Ice Break Holden.
Auto One Wildcard driver and twice Bathurst winner Tony Longhurst qualified 20th, just ahead of Kim Jane who suffered engine problems yesterday and is down on power.
Formula Ford state champion Steve Charmans first V8 Ute Bathurst appearance netted 25th on the grid in the Pizza Hut backed Ford, while Amber Anderson and Hayley Swanson stayed out of trouble to qualify in 30th and 32nd position.
Best of the NZ drivers was Peter Ward in the Ward Demolition Holden, in 27th spot, from James Urquhart in 29th, and Peter Robb 34th. Urquhart survived a 360 high speed spin at Skyline in Practice 2, staying off the wall.
That got my attention! This is my first look at Bathurst, and even years of watching Bathurst on TV in New Zealand cant prepare you for the speed and the steep climb and drop off this place offerswhat a track and were having a ball. I am just lucky we didnt have to work all night on any repairs.
Adelaides Noel Edge debuted his new FG in practice and qualifying, however after an all night effort to get the new ute on the grid, failed to set a qualifying time due to a severe vibration in the front.
Two V8 Ute races will be held at Mt Panorama tomorrow, Race 2 to be telecast live on SEVEN from 3pm.
See below remaining V8 Ute Schedule: Saturday, 5th October Race 1 9:50amSaturday, 5th October Race 2 3:05pm (Televised LIVE on Network Seven.)Sunday, 6th October Race 3 8am (Televised LIVE on Network Seven).
