USCS: Josh Harris enters rookie field

JOSH HARRIS SHOOTING FOR O'REILLY USCS CAROLINA THUNDER R.O.Y.

FAYETTEVILLE, GA. - Sixteen year old, Josh Harris of Denton, NC has thrown his helmet into the battle for the 2005 O'Reilly USCS Carolina Thunder regional series "Rookie of the Year" title. Harris also intends to compete for the Championship in the 24-race regional series.

Harris, who will turn seventeen years old on March 17th, has shown some talent in his six sprint car starts in 2004, making the A-main event in five of them. The only time he missed the main event, was for a "rookie mistake," as he got the right rear tire into the wall of Rome Speedway in hot laps, and got his first taste of being upside down in one of the open wheel winged warriors.

The young driver's goals are pretty high, but Harris has the desire to get the experience he needs to try and meet them.

"I don't want to just be out there racing, I want to win races," Harris said. "I know we are a pretty low budget team up against some other pretty well funded race teams, but I am willing to work hard for my goals."

Harris started his racing career competing in Go-Kart racing in 1998, and moved up to race 600cc Mini Sprints in 2002 and 2003 at East Lincoln Speedway in Stanley, N.C. He finished seventh in the point standings in 2003 after five top five and nine top ten finishes.

The young second-generation driver, who was born in Gainesville, TX, also tested his skills in Dirt Late Model racing in 2004, and raced to a top five finish in one of his three starts.

Like many teenagers, Josh lists Pizza as his favorite food and Rock and Roll as his favorite music. So far he says that I-20 Speedway in Batesburg, South Carolina where he passed his USCS "Rookie Test" is his favorite sprint car track.

The "Rookie Test" is a story unto itself. After telling O'Reilly USCS Officials this would be his first race in a full blown Outlaw sprint car, Harris was asked to put a yellow duct tape "Rookie" stripe on the rear of his car.

After driving a perfect first time A-Main event and finishing in the top ten, Harris pulled the tape from the rear bumper, wrapped it around the top of his hat, and paraded around the pit area joyfully telling everyone that he had passed his "Rookie Test" to the congratulations of all.

Josh Harris Racing will campaign an eye catching graphics package on it's #44 Lightning Chassis in 2005 as his colors will be black with purple graphics and a red chassis. His Dad, Scott Harris, builds the power plants, and his crew will consist of Scott Harris and Grandfather, Jerry Harris.

"Our team is still looking for some additional sponsorship for 2005 so we can be competitive in all the Carolina Thunder events," Harris said. "Small or large, we have a place and a marketing partnership program for them. Just a fuel and/or tire sponsor, and some help with travel expenses would make a huge difference for our team. My family has been just great supporting me in my racing since I was ten years old says Harris and I really appreciate them for it."

Harris will begin his quest for the 2005 O'Reilly USCS Carolina Thunder Rookie of the Year honors at Riverside Speedway in Travelers Rest, NC on April 15, and then at his favorite track, I-20 Speedway in Batesburg, SC on April 16.

-uscs-