Morris racing trucking hero

FRESH from his first experience in a Stadium Super Truck, Paul Morris is ready to race against one of his heroes at his home event.

Last year’s Bathurst-winning codriver impressed onlookers during his first drive of the entertaining machines yesterday, having received no shortage of advice from series founder Robby Gordon.

Morris was full of praise for the American, who has carved out a lengthy motorsport career across categories including Indy and NASCAR.

“Not too many people can jump from car to car so to me he’s one of my heroes I’ve always admired,” Morris said.

One piece of advice was reserved for approaching the test jump, a new experience for Morris.

“I was sh***ing myself but he (Gordon) said ‘just hit it, I guarantee you will laugh’. As soon as I landed I just started laughing inside the truck, he was 100 per cent right,” Morris said.

Morris identified driving the vehicle as a similar experience to one he is rather accustomed to.

“They’ve got a lot of power and not a lot of grip so it’s pretty similar to driving a V8 Supercar in the wet,” he said. “It’s that sort of feeling where you have to be really precise with the inputs and make sure you’re still getting plenty of drive and traction.”

Another notable Gold Coaster making an appearance in the Stadium Super Trucks is stuntman Matt Mingay.

Having nabbed podiums in his series debut at Adelaide early this year, Mingay has his eyes on a home podium.

Mingay, who lives trackside, yesterday received medical approval to race after injuring his ribs in a crash last week.

“I’m still in a fair bit of pain but with some painkillers I should be good,” Mingay said. “There is never a dull moment (with the Stadium Super Trucks). To be flying through the air level with people from third and fourth level apartments is just crazy.”