Ryal Harris has topped the opening practice session for the Auto One V8 Utes at Mount Panorama today.
Aboard his Ford FG Falcon Ute Harris lapped the circuit in a time of 2:35.3380s, ahead of championship leader Nathan Pretty in the Monster Energy Holden Commodore Ute.
The top two drivers in the session are also embroiled in a championship battle, with Pretty leading Harris by just eight points with four of eight rounds completed in 2012.
Jesus Racing’s Andrew Fisher was third fastest ahead of David Sieders and Ryan Hansford.
Cameron McConville who is the sole driver in the field to be competing in the Bathurst 1000, was seventh fastest.
In a weekend that has a very retro vibe due to 5O years of Bathurst celebrations, the series has their own slice of history in Tony Longhurst, who is a two-time Bathurst 1000 winner (1988 and 2001).
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Longhurst, who has joined the series as a wildcard entry in the Auto One Commodore VE, managed the 18th the fastest time.
While 2009 V8 Ute Champion Jack Elsgood was 19th fastest in the field of 34.
The V8 Utes are first on track tomorrow for Practice 2 at 0800 AEST, before Qualifying at 1540 in the afternoon.
