Gold Coaster, Ryal “The Kid” Harris, was one step closer to realising his motorsport dream today (Thursday, 7th November), when he jumped behind the wheel of David Reynolds’ Ford Performance Racing V8 Supercar in a one day test at Winton Raceway, VIC.
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 at Sydney Olympic Park 6 – 8 December.
The local fashion designer couldn’t have been happier with his performance today thoroughly enjoying his time in a V8 Supercar he hopes it won’t be 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. 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,” said Harris.
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 olds ability.
“Ryal has impressed in his first proper outing in a V8 Supercar. 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,” explained Edwards.
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 2 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 teams 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 below points will show how close it is coming into the Sydney 500.
1 Ryal Harris1 Tapout Energy Racing 7822 Rhys McNally Stratco Racing 7433 David Sieders Mine Site Fencing Australia 7414 Nathan Pretty Milwaukee Racing 7415 Kim Jane Bob Jane T-Marts 6816 Kris Walton Rentco 681
