The Kid is closing in
V8 Ute leader Harris eyes historic third title on home turf
RYAL Harris is pushing to win a historic third V8 Utes championship as he looks to move up the motorsport ranks.
The Gold Coaster nicknamed “The Kid” holds a 73point lead over 2014 winner Kris Walton heading into the action-packed Gold Coast 600 weekend.
No driver in the category has ever won three titles and for Harris, this round could well be decisive.
“I want to stay consistent and stay out of trouble but at the same time have a good, clean round at the front,” Harris said.
“Easier said than done here. This is probably the most important (round) of the year.”
The Matt Stone Racing driver said if he could wrap up the championship, he would likely look at moving to another category such as the Australian GT series.
“I’ve tested with V8 Supercars teams, they all know who I am and what I can do but it’s the same old story in motor-- sport you have got to have backing behind you. Hopefully we can show what we can do in other categories.”
Walton is the biggest threat to Harris after an excellent round at Bathurst.
The 35-year-old, who a year ago relocated to the Coast, has bounced back from a rough start to the year and knows he must contend for wins this weekend to put the pressure on Harris.
“For me he has got to have a bad race,” Walton said.
“He has been consistent up the front and not taking too many risks so we have got to try to push him over that limit.”
Surfers Paradise is the pen- ultimate round in the championship, which will conclude at Sydney Olympic Park in December.
A driver can earn a maximum of 356 points during the remainder of the season, which is enough to change the current standings.
For the top pair of ute drivers it has been a welcome chance to be at home on the Coast during what is a long season.
Yesterday morning, Harris and Walton took a different sort of vehicle for a spin – an amphibious Sealegs boat.
I want to stay out of trouble but have a good, clean round at the front...
RYAL HARRIS