Two-time V8 Ute Series winner Grant Johnson is eyeing a future return to the V8 Supercars Championship’s endurance races after testing with Paul Morris Motorsport today.
The West Australian turned laps in Steve Owen’s VIP Petfoods entry as a prize for winning last year’s V8 Ute Series.
Johnson last drove a V8 Supercar in 2003 when he competed at Sandown and Bathurst with Larkham Motor Sport.
According to team principal Paul Morris, Johnson performed strongly during his time today at Queensland Raceway.
“He showed raw talent out there today and produced really impressive times while keeping a cool head and the car on the track at all times,” said Morris.
“We’ve given a few guys from other categories the opportunity to drive one of PMM’s Supercars but nobody has impressed more than Grant.
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“I would definitely consider him a strong contender for an endurance drive in the future.”
Johnson, whose racing history includes a full season in the V8 Supercars Development Series in 2002, said he enjoyed the experience.
“That was an incredible opportunity and I’m really thankful to Paul and his team for allowing me to drive their Supercar today,” said Johnson.
“If they (PMM) offered me an enduro drive I would be on the next flight from Perth over to the Gold Coast for sure!
“I last drove a V8 Supercar in 2003 so this was a brand new experience for me with the sequential shift and I was really impressed with how responsive the cars are now compared to what they used to be.”
Johnson currently sits second in the 2011 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by Armor All points standings, four points adrift of fellow Holden driver Chris Pither.
Reigning V8 Ute Series Rookie of the Year David Sieders was also to test with PMM today, but has now delayed his laps until September due to the impending birth of his second child.
The series continues at Bathurst as a support to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 over the October 6-9 weekend.
