Ryal “The Kid” Harris has taken out Race 1 of the 2015 East Coast Bullbars Australian V8 Ute Racing Series at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama, Saturday, 10th October.
The two-time V8 Ute Champion started off the second row and was able to push through to the front by the second turn after David Sieders, Rentco Racing’s Kris Walton and Kim Jane went three wide into turn 1, Harris withstood pressure from teammate George Miedecke for most of the race and the Series leader was able to hold on to claim his first race win since Townsville.
“I guess this puts to bed all the comments I’ve made on social media re the success ballast affecting our ability to win. Matt Stone Racing has put together a great race package and the West End Mazda race ute could run at the front and withstand any challenge, even carrying the extra 40 kilo’s. Any Bathurst win is great on your CV, so I will take it and the extra championship points,” Harris said.
Miedecke held on to second until the final lap, when he was caught up in a drag race with Walton down Conrod Straight after Walton made a move down the inside at Forest Elbow.
Walton claimed second spot, Miedecke then had to contend with Mango Credit’s David Sieders who took him on the final turn, dropping the former NASCAR development driver to fourth in the final seconds of the race.
Walton was penalised one position post race after making contact with Miedecke on his overtaking manoeuvre at Forest Elbow.
Bob Jane T-Marts driver Kim Jane crossed the chequered flag in fifth ahead of Craig Dontas in sixth, Nathan Pretty in seventh, Rhys McNally in eighth, Auto One racer Adam Marjoram in ninth and Ryan Hansford rounded out the top ten just pipping Jeremy Gray.
Bruce Oaklands was issued a post-race pit lane drive through penalty time of 30 seconds for his car controller being on the wall at the race start, while Queensland driver Peter Burnitt was forced to retire after hitting the wall at McPhillamy Park after a front suspension issue.
Rhys McNally will start on Pole alongside Nathan Pretty for the Top 8 Race 2 reverse grid, which will kick off at 3:55pm and will be televised live on Fox Sports and Network Ten. Race 3 will be the final decider for the weekend on Sunday, 11th October at 8:55am, which will also be televised live on Fox and Ten.
