by John Doig, Australian Correspondent
Reigning champ Damien Harris must close a 133-point gap to series leader Phil Read at round two of the 2024-2025 NDRC at Willowbank Raceway on January 25-26 to resurrect his hopes of a third consecutive championship.
“It hasn’t been the start of the season we wanted,” said Harris. “We went into the opening round confident of doing well, but things didn’t pan out as we had hoped. There are only six rounds in a season and we have a challenge ahead of us. We’ve come from behind in the past and can do it again.”
Veteran Phil Read, chasing his first title since 2008, leads the championship after an outstanding performance at the opening round, setting a new Australian record of 3.72 in qualifying and then scoring three wins.
RAI stalwart, Wayne Newby, has an exemplary record at Willowbank, including a gritty win over Harris at the 2024 Winternationals and, after finishing runner-up at Round One,
sits in second place, 34 points behind Read.
Two-time champ Peter Xiberras will return to racing for the first time this season. The Supercar team owner missed the season opener to concentrate on his commitment to the V8 series.
The fifth entry of 2002 TF champ, ‘Pommie’ Steve Read, is returning after an extended absence.
