Harran qualifies for Super GP final
Local superbike rider Brent Harran finished third overall during the penultimate race of the Super GP National Superbike racing series, recently held at Dezzi Raceway, in Port Shepstone.
The outing saw the 23-year-old qualify for the final showdown set to take place at the Red Star Raceway in Delmas next weekend.
Asked about his way to the podium finish, Harran commented: “Well, I had a bad start to the race off of third on the grid, fell down to sixth position and slowly worked my way back up.
”Dezzi is a really short and tight circuit and very difficult to overtake on. On a superbike, you don’t get past fourth gear.
“Over the last few laps I had a really good fight with Michael White, who won last time out in PE, for the final podium spot.”
Harran, who switched from using his Kawasaki zx10 to the new Yamaha R1, added that he was pleased with the outcome, considering the challenges that came before the race.
“Yeah, I am pleased for sure,” he said.
”This season has been an incredibly difficult one for me; this has been my first podium this season.
”Last year I managed to win a handful of races and had many podiums, finishing third overall in last year’s championship.
“At the beginning of this year, I lost my two main title sponsors just before the season kicked off. The financial climate in the country unfortunately left them in a position where they could no longer support me.
”Since then it has all been last-minute planning for myself and my family, trying to get the funds together to make each race; racing is an extremely expensive sport.
“We have had a few battles for the podium earlier on in the season, but each time I either crashed or my bike broke down. So yeah, given the season we have had so far this year, and the big knock my confidence has taken, it is definitely a breath of fresh air to be back on the podium again.
”This round was only my second time out on the new Yamaha R1 this season, so we still need to do some improving to be fighting for wins again, but, as I said, definitely happier than I was earlier on in the year.”
The racer also took time to pay tribute to his support structure.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to Thomas Brown, from MVC Marketing, and Robert Portman, from Ride Fast Magazine,” Harran said.
”They picked me up when it looked like I was not going to be able to compete this season, and without them I wouldn’t even be racing this year.
”Also, a big shout-out to my mom and dad, who have done absolutely everything they possibly can to keep me on the grid this year.”
Harran is currently trying to organise some sponsors for next season and anyone looking to do some advertising for their company can contact him on 078 119 8369, or email to him at brentharran@gmail.com. – @SabeloBoksburg
