Son Honors Father at Russ Harris Memorial Pro Gas Nationals in Fontana
- Jan 30, 2008
All is well with Bob Harris now that he’s won the Southern California Pro Gas
Association season opening event. The 8th annual Russ Harris Memorial Pro Gas
Nationals sponsored by Harris Family Motorsports is named in memory of Bob’s
father.
Maui Style at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, courtesy of Bob Johnson Photography
Russ Harris (left) and Bob Harris (far right) at Arizona in 1991
Standing in the winners circle at the Auto Club Dragway in Fontana,
California was a dream come true for Harris and his family. “I’ve raced my dad’s
memorial race every year and never won until now,” said Harris. “My dad was
liked by all the racers and supported the Southern California Pro Gas
Association for many years.”
Bob Harris wins 8th Annual Russ Harris Memorial Pro Gas National, courtesy of Bob Johnson Photography
K&N Filters Sponsored Grand Am Maui Style, courtesy of Bob Johnson Photography
Russ Harris was not a racer. “My dad only raced once, as a defending champion for me at Arizona in 1992,” said Harris. ‘The rest of the time he supported me. He would always encourage me to keep going to the track and keep learning everything I could about racing. He drove all over the country with me and backed me.”
Bob Harris is a four time NHRA national event winner. At Fontana he drove a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am called Maui Style, owned by his aunt and uncle, Les and Jeanette Harris. Maui Style was built by Gary Hansen and the motor makes 1165 horsepower and 900 foot pounds of torque.
Maui Style’s horsepower and torque took Harris to his first Pro Gas victory against Rick Gunther in the final. Harris went to the final round by defeating Darryl Mitchell, Jr., Clarence Hoefer, Anthony Matasa and top qualifier Greg Ventura.
Harris and Gunther recorded identical .024 reaction times in the final, but Gunther was too quick at the stripe with 9.881 to Harris’ winning 9.951, 167.38.
“I cut my hand on the car and had to go to the hospital on race day,” said Harris. “I know my dad was with me in spirit that day. I think I won with his help and I also believe it’s because I’m really happy at this place in my life now. I have a beautiful new wife and a wonderful family and now I’ve won my dad’s memorial race. All is well.”
Follow Bob Harris throughout the racing season at the K&N news site. Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.
Maui Style at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, courtesy of Bob Johnson Photography
Russ Harris (left) and Bob Harris (far right) at Arizona in 1991
Bob Harris wins 8th Annual Russ Harris Memorial Pro Gas National, courtesy of Bob Johnson Photography
K&N Filters Sponsored Grand Am Maui Style, courtesy of Bob Johnson Photography
Russ Harris was not a racer. “My dad only raced once, as a defending champion for me at Arizona in 1992,” said Harris. ‘The rest of the time he supported me. He would always encourage me to keep going to the track and keep learning everything I could about racing. He drove all over the country with me and backed me.”
Bob Harris is a four time NHRA national event winner. At Fontana he drove a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am called Maui Style, owned by his aunt and uncle, Les and Jeanette Harris. Maui Style was built by Gary Hansen and the motor makes 1165 horsepower and 900 foot pounds of torque.
Maui Style’s horsepower and torque took Harris to his first Pro Gas victory against Rick Gunther in the final. Harris went to the final round by defeating Darryl Mitchell, Jr., Clarence Hoefer, Anthony Matasa and top qualifier Greg Ventura.
Harris and Gunther recorded identical .024 reaction times in the final, but Gunther was too quick at the stripe with 9.881 to Harris’ winning 9.951, 167.38.
“I cut my hand on the car and had to go to the hospital on race day,” said Harris. “I know my dad was with me in spirit that day. I think I won with his help and I also believe it’s because I’m really happy at this place in my life now. I have a beautiful new wife and a wonderful family and now I’ve won my dad’s memorial race. All is well.”
Follow Bob Harris throughout the racing season at the K&N news site. Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.
