V8 Ute champion tests FPR V8 Supercar

The 2012 Australian V8 Ute Racing champion has driven David Reynolds’ Ford Performance Racing V8 Supercar in a one day test at Winton Raceway yesterday.

The test behind the wheel of the race winning V8 Supercar, was awarded to Ryal Harris by Ford and FPR for being the highest scoring Ford driver in the 2012 V8 Ute championship.

“It’s only my second time in a V8 Supercar, I only did about 15 laps two years ago, so my knowledge was very limited,” said Harris.

“They (FPR) were happy, I got faster and faster as the day went on, and it wasn’t about the lap times it was about improving.

“It was great having the data, they told me how to improve each time and I went out and did it straight away I absolutely loved the experience and am really grateful to FPR.”

FPR team manager Tim Edwards was on hand for the test and was pleased with the 28-year-old’s ability.

“Ryal has impressed in his first proper outing in a V8 Supercar,” said Edwards.

“Coming from the Ute Series it is obviously a decent jump but the good thing is he is used to having a roof over his head and the control layout is similar so he handled the adjustment well.

“He worked well with our engineers, gave solid, thoughtful feedback and completed a number of runs without drama so you can see why he won last year’s ute title and is leading again this year.

“It is also great that we’ve been able to assist the development of Ford drivers from other categories who aspire to race V8 Supercars.

“From Formula Ford, through utes and the Development Series there is a strong lineage of Blue Oval options and Ryal proved there is talent coming through the ranks which is encouraging for all Ford fans.”

With 140 points still up for grabs the V8 Ute series title will head down to the wire when competitors hit the streets of Sydney for the final round in December.

VIDEO: In-car of the test at Winton

2013 V8 Ute standings