Gold Coast Designer Ryal Harris goes out in style
Published on 29 August 2012
Clothing designer Ryal Harris was eliminated from Shannons Supercar Showdown in a controversial fashion after drawing attention from the judges for all the wrong reasons.
Harris vocally questioned the Kelly brother’s “completely irrelevant” driving syllabus after he failed to impress the judges in this week’s elimination challenge.
“What we we’re doing was completely irrelevant, I just want to drive around a racetrack and go faster than the other guys,” said Harris.
Harris’ comments did not go unnoticed by guest judge Greg Murphy who sternly reminded the group that each challenge was designed to assess specific criteria.
“At the end of the day these challenges are designed for us to be able to look at you guys and see if you've been able to adapt to the challenges and improve”, said the four-time Bathurst Champion.
Despite his off-track bravado, ironically it was Harris’ lack of confidence behind the wheel that saw him sent home. Harris departed the competition “rather annoyed”, but with a renewed sense of priorities.
"There's no doubt in my mind that I have more natural ability than the guys left in the competition…I think the competition has been a big wake up call for me…I think I’m going to be just as happy doing my clothing label and travelling, as I would be racing a V8 supercar at Bathurst.”
Elsewhere in the competition, a normally subdued Texas Ed was the surprise winner of the media challenge, while straight shooter Jesse’s conscientious approach paid off when he was named the week’s best performer in the car control elimination challenge.
Less impressive was 17-year-old Kiwi Andre Heimgartner who “made a mess” of the car control course, and sales consultant Glen Wood, who was put on notice by Kelly Racing owner Rick Kelly.
"Glen you were lucky to escape elimination this time, we expect to see some big improvements from you next week" said Kelly.
Only five contestants remain as the witches hats are put away and the drivers are let loose on Sandown racetrack.
The competition is quickly accelerating; will our rookies be able to keep up?
Shannons Supercar Showdown airs on Saturday on 7Mate (check local guides for times).
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