Reigning V8 Ute Champion Ryal Harris could be on the sidelines for the 2013 season.
Having failed to secure a budget to step up to the Dunlop Series, Harris is now in a race against time to find the right level of funding to return to the Auto One V8 Utes Series and defend his crown.
Harris says that if he can sort his finances, he will return with Big Gun Racing, however, he is by no means a certain starter.
“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,” Harris said.
“I have turned my attention to defending my title in the Utes and have been trying to raise a budget for the past month.
“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.”
One driver who will be on the grid is two-time Bathurst 1000 winner Tony Longhurst, who confirmed to Speedcafe.com today that he will drive in the series. CLICK HERE for more.
The V8 Utes Series will hold its opening event on the streets of Adelaide, supporting the Clipsal 500, on February 28-March 3.