Ryal Harris handed Matt Stone Racing victory in its maiden V8 Ute Racing Series appearance by taking out the opening heat at Sandown.

The Dunlop Series outfit took over preparation of Harris’ Ford following the previous round in Townsville.

Harris beat pole-sitter Kris Walton to the first corner and was not headed for the duration, scoring his own first win since the Gold Coast last October.

“I’m stoked for Matt Stone to get a win on debut,” said Harris, who is mired down in eighth in the points standings after a difficult start to the season.

“The car is really good and there is still some more speed we can find in it.

“I have nothing to lose now, so I’m just going to be giving it my all for the rest of the year.”

Second placed Walton was just 0.4s adrift at the flag, extending his points lead in the process.

Holden drivers Jesse Dixon and Rhys McNally were third and fourth respectively, while Andrew Fisher completed the top five in his new Ford.

The Safety Car was required early in the race after Scott Nicholas buried his Holden in the gravel trap at Turn 9.

A further two races will complete Round 5 of the V8 Ute Racing Series on Sunday.