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V8 Ute Champion In Doubt For 2013 Series Return
2012 V8 Ute Champion Ryal Harris is yet to secure a sponsor for the 2013 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by Armor All, and may not make it on the grid for the first Round at the Clipsal 500 at the end of the month.
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The reigning champ has been in the Series since 2006, with initial support from Grove Fruit Juice and was in and out of the Series until 2011, when he secured backing from Big Gun Racing and claimed third overall in the Series. Harris was the class act all year in 2012 to take out his first national title.
"The V8 Supercar Development series is a long shot, and it’s very hard to get a budget together to be competitive against some of the Level 1 V8 Supercar teams that compete.
I have turned my attention to defending my title in the Utes and have been trying to raise a budget for the past month,” explained Harris.
Big Gun Racing field a team of four FG Falcons, with two of the cars already snatched up with new drivers, Grant Bromley and Cameron Wilson. Team Owner Peter Burnitt will be returning for his fifth year, however the remaining car is on hold for Harris, but time is running out for the 2012 Shannon’s Supercar Showdown Contestant.
"I would love to defend the title with Big Gun, but without a budget I can’t expect them to carry me through another year. It’s hard out there but hopefully I’ll get a bite soon. It’s a hard road but I’m not going to give up. I want that title again and am going to work really hard for it,” said Harris.
The Gold Coast Fashion Designer, who moved from a Holden to a Ford in 2011, would love to share that winning feeling again, and has shown the pace and maturity to be a serious contender for back to back Championships.
“Winning the title last year was like a dream come-true. We had such a great team and we overcame some ups and down’s as you do in motorsport, and it was just a great win in the end,” said Harris.
Harris is hoping to join the other 31 car field on the grid at the Clipsal 500 Thursday, 28th February – Sunday, 2nd March and start the campaign to defend his title.
The V8 Utes Series is a primary support category on the V8 Supercar Championship with 32 utes competing at every round, comprising 16 Ford’s and Holden’s. The series has expanded over the years and is now televised internationally.
PaddockTalk Perspective
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