Ryal Harris

Details

Category: Motorsports

How did you become involved in motorsports?

My Father Ken raced speedway right up until i was about 3 years old,always had an interest and took me to the hire karts when i was 10,i was hooked right away!

Age you started in your sport?

I started late,i was 11 when i first raced a kart,most kids started at 8.

Who is your sporting hero?

Roger Federer is probably one that springs to mind,amazing tennis player first and foremost,but his respect for legends past,and his grace and humour in Victory or defeat,such an emotional guy.

Do you have a sporting mentor?

Not really,my father when i was younger...he would fire me up mostly thou!

Height, Weight and Age

180cm,72kg,26 years old

What motivates you to continue racing?

I know im good enough to win in V8 SUPERCARS,Formula one was almost impossible,you have to be realistic and my family had no money behind me to do that! My parents have re mortgaged the house once just for my ute racing years ago! Guys winning,and running at the front in V8 SUPERCARS i have beaten in go karts,go karts are raw,you have to have talent to win in the basic kart classes,and i raced against,and beat some of the top guys you see now,they just had more money,or got the lucky breaks before i have!

Which team do you currently drive for?

Big Gun Racing,great team in the v8 utes,im currently on a 5 race,3 pole position winning streak! looking good for the championship first year out with these guys!

People that have inspired you in life?

My Father,not just in racing but in design,he is an old school signwriter,so i grew up around paint,fonts,screen printing etc so that is my second love,and plan b if racing does not pan out! fashion and art.

Great experiences that have happened in your life?

Meeting my partner Casey,love conquers in my life,and she is the love of it.

Your interests and hobbies outside of racing?

Fashion,art,design.Marketing

One tip or quote the continues to inspire you?

Love conquers.....i have met the love of my life,so no matter what happens from now i have achieved my greatest feat!

Family Background and Current Family?

Mum was born in Broken hill,Dad Toowoomba...both country morals,born and bred on the gold coast with the morals they have taught me makes me different from most people my age,and i like that.

Favourite and least favourite track to race on?

Fav would be Batrhurst or gold coast...Bathurst is the best track,gold coast your in front of family and friends.....least fav would be small goat tracks like wakefield park,or boring like QLD RACEWAY.

Who did you idolize while you were growing up?

No one really,maybe a hot older lady lol i used to love the sprint cars so maybe some of the drivers i watched when i was younger.

Who has been your greatest teacher in racing?

Dad,and many along the way....too many to mention!

How has being involved in motorsports changed your life?

It is a tough game, heartbreaking...you seem to spend a fortune to make a small fortune...if you make it! stress....plenty of stress! im not good at many other things either! but you do meet some great people,learn some good life skills.....takes away alot of your time! so i guess i was racing when i could of been out partying! so probably a good thing!

Were you always a good driver growing up?

Always had a natural talent,that was obvious from the start,my aggression was probably the biggest surprise...cant really explain where that comes from,I'm very aggressive compared to most drivers.

First car you owned and current car?

EA FALCON manual,was a good car...mum and dad surprised me,i thought my first one was going to be a shitbox!

What would you tell children wanting to get into motorsport?

Prepare for a tough gig if you choose to make a career out of it,well try anyway! but it's a great sport when your young (karts) plus makes you a good and sharp driver when you get your license.

Training Background?

I teach defensive driver training for Holden,Mercedes,and a few other manufacturers as well as private companies.

Driving Philosophy?

none really haha

Favourite Foods/Diet you have to follow?

Love my sweet potato,mushrooms,gnocci,i eat healthy now as i don't really have a choice! Casey is full vegan,so i eat her dishes during the week and they are very yummy,and healthy!

Explain your training regime?

Mostly just cardio,jog with Casey sometimes,and treadmill....i don't train enough,i would like too! but i have to work,not a paid driver yet!

Describe a typical race day?

i like to chill...like really chill!! when I'm not in the car,or talking with the team or sponsors i like to get away,Casey come's away with  me and we hang out

Worst crash and injury you have suffered?

I have had a few rolls,hit a few walls but luckily no big ones or bad injuries

Driving History? Teams you have driven for and how you got to where you are now?

Was a factory kart driver from the age of 12, Energy karts and then AZZURRO...I had a lot of success with them over 12 state and national titles.

Greatest moment you have had in racing?

Winning at Bathurst,and then gold coast just recently....5 wins in a row which is a record in v8 utes!

What is your favourite movie?

The power of one, a Scent of a women, the speech he gives at the end about integrity is something all young men should watch and understand i think! and the power of the story in the power of one is awesome.

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

My morals,and manners.

How do you deal with temptation?

I don't lol....I'm much better now,i say no to my mates for a big night,rather focus on my racing...better late than never!

What is your favourite music/band/song?

I love old classics, Elvis, the doors, Bob dylan, The killers, city and colour

What is your biggest fear?

Sharks....or bad things happening to Casey

Do you believe "never giving up" is the difference between making it and not making it in any sport?

It's a fine line in Motorsport...never giving up in Motorsport as far as making it can finacially kill your family,but on track,never giving up is the difference between champions and the rest.

Have you ever failed at anything? If yes how did you overcome this?

I have failed at many things,thats whats life is about you live and learn,you cant be creative without having failing sometimes,but a few bad decisions in racing i would call failure in decision making maybe?

What inspired you to succeed?

My main goal in life is simply to be happy, racing makes me happy, but clothing, art and design also do.....racing if you make it would be a great lifestyle, but i guess if anything inspired me in racing it would be to win Bathurst, championships, battles with other drivers....that stuff is all fun, and would make me happy

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

Always a race car driver, now a rockstar or DJ.

What is the ulitmate prize in your sport for you?

Bathurst, championships.......

Races you have won?

I have over 17 v8 ute wins im pretty sure, 4 pole positions, numerous podiums and lap records....12 state and national titles in go karts.

Your future goals in motorsport and after you have finished racing?

To race a v8 supercar or carrera cup car short term goal, long term,to make a living from motorsport as a driver, to win in v8 supercars

What one item can you not live without?

Iphone, Ipod.......

If you could have dinner with 5 people who would they be?

Elvis, Dad, Ayrton senna, JFK, My pop who i never really knew as i was too young.

People you would like to thank?

My father, Mother....family, sponsors along the way.

• CLICK_TO_ENLARGE CLICK_TO_ENLARGE
• CLICK_TO_ENLARGE CLICK_TO_ENLARGE
• CLICK_TO_ENLARGE CLICK_TO_ENLARGE