Queenslander and former Formula 500 sprint car racer Jason Norris will make his V8 SuperUte Series debut at Sandown Raceway this weekend, Round 4 of the 2023 season.
The 37-year-old from the Gold Coast recently competed a testing program at Morgan Park Raceway in Queensland and will drive the Toyota HiLux being vacated by former series champion Ryal Harris who moves into a Ford Ranger for the remainder of the year.
Starting in dirt go-karts at the age 11, Norris moved into dirt circuit racing from the age of 14 before he was even eligible for a driver’s licence. Transitioning into speedway in the Formula 500 Sprint Cars, the Queenslander left dirt circuit a decade ago to focus on a career within the automotive industry.
Norris will run the #88 Auto Masters-backed entry with technical support from Peters Motorsport and will compete for the remainder of the series. With 82 stores nationally and growing, Auto Masters is one of the fastest growing automotive service and repair groups in Australia.
“This will actually be my first time involved in competitive circuit racing but I was surprised how quickly and easily I eased back into the driver’s seat again when I tested the V8 SuperUte,” said Norris.
“After only a few laps at Morgan Park it became an easy decision to join the series; it’s really fun to drive and rewarding at the same time.
“Ten years away from racing might sound like a long time but the action in V8 SuperUtes this year has been so exciting to watch, and it made me miss racing again so why not jump at the chance when a car became available. This is just the first step in looking at being part of the series long-term so I’m hoping to learn a lot in the coming rounds and have a lot of fun with everyone in the series as well,” said Norris.
Round 4 of the V8 SuperUte Series will form part of the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 at Sandown Raceway, Victoria from September 15-17, 2023. Practice starts at 8.10am on Friday morning, with qualifying held that afternoon. Saturday sees three races being run before the final race held on Sunday morning before the Repco Supercars main race.
Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.supercars.com/calendar/
