Harris expands; Bastian to pilot a second Lites car
21/7/2000 21:34 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) - The Brisbane-based garages of Lites campaigner, Craig Harris, have taken on two new recruits over the past few weeks – a second Falcon and its newly-announced young pilot, Craig Bastian.
Harris’ Carsales.com.au Racing team officially announced the signing of Bastian today to campaign a second Harris car in the remaining rounds of the Lites Series. The Harris operation is now the first dual-car outfit in the V8 Supercar development series.
"We were looking for a driver that had the smarts to run a second car toward the front of the field and had the resources to give the most to the team. Craig has the skills and the commitment," Harris explained.
"He had a bit of experience earlier this year when he ran Richard Mork's car at Phillip Island and has raced Formula Holden which means his race-craft should be up to the task,” he said.
"We had a lot of guys interested in running the second car with the view of capturing our development position next year. Craig was interested in helping us build the team in the lead up to next year and had the right backing to make sure he could do the job properly," Harris concluded.
The backing Harris refers to will come from phone carrier One.Tel, who will support Bastion in his debut Lites drive at Lakeside in three weeks time, and for the final Lites round later in the year.
"I have a personal goal to do the best I can,” Bastion said. I'm looking forward to racing with Craig (Harris). The team is well organised and has developed a package that is obviously competitive.”
"I guess I've picked a tough track to start my run. David Besnard's coming in at Lakeside and everyone's pretty sure he'll be quick. The guys who are used to being up the front will make it hard work," he said.
Bastian will campaign the Falcon at Lakeside and Mallala before assessing his position for Bathurst in November. Bastian was today testing in the EL Falcon at Lakeside, his first test before the next round at the north Brisbane circuit in three weeks time.
Prior to Lakeside, Harris and his wife Danielle – founding members of the Queensland Cord Blood Bank – will hold a charity fashion parade and auction to raise money for the cause.
"The Queensland Cord Blood Bank is something that is important to my wife and I and to be involved in something that provides young kids a better chance in life, is a great honour, Harris said.
"Children are our future and its important that we make every effort to ensure these children are given every opportunity possible,” he said.
A ride in Harris’ Carsales.com.au Falcon is just one of the prizes up-for-grabs at the dinner, to be held in Brisbane on July 27.
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