Harper Goes National
08/11/07…NASR/SSA Media Release
During the first two years of the National Super Sedan Series, Brad Smith served as the sole Tasmanian representative on the tour and has performed with distinction despite the logistical difficulties. This season however, Smith will no longer be flying solo in his treks across Bass Strait with fellow Tasmanian hotshoe Jarrod Harper confirmed as a contracted driver in the 2007/2008 National Super Sedan Series.
Quietly spoken off the track, Harper is a hard charger behind the wheel who is renowned for his wheel hiking antics, usually as he swoops around the outside of his opponents. The second generation driver started his Super Sedan career in 1990 and spent many years racing against his illustrious father Neville, a 7-time state titleholder. He quickly established himself as a force on the Tasmanian scene, winning his first state title in 1998. He has since won two more State Championships (2003 and 2006), along with two wins in Australia’s richest Super Sedan event, the Apple Isle Grand Prix (1999 and 2003). He has also won Hobart’s Super Sedan Grand National on two occasions (1999 and 2004).
In recent years, Harper has become a genuine force on the national scene with a string of excellent results in Australian Championship events. In fact, he has qualified for the championship final at every national title he has contested. In the 2000 event, Harper served notice of his abilities with a top ten finish after starting 18th. The 2004 title at Murray Bridge saw Harper suffer the narrowest of defeats after leading for more than half the race, the runner-up finish his best result thus far. The 2005 championship was held on home soil at Latrobe and Harper qualified on pole position before ultimately finishing in third spot. He advanced from 12th to finish 4th in the 2006 title at Toowoomba, while a similar performance at Perth’s Kwinana Motorplex last season saw him finish 6th after starting in 11th spot.
In his first foray into NSSS competition last season, Harper contested the Speedway Racing News Triple Crown staged over three consecutive nights at Mount Gambier, Mildura and Murray Bridge. Against more than 30 drivers from across the country, Harper finished 15th overall and upstaged several series regulars in what proved to be the catalyst for his participation in the series this season. However, it has been strong sponsorship support from Totalcare Logistics that has also played a significant role in his decision to take on the challenge that the NSSS schedule presents.
As one of Tasmania’s most accomplished Super Sedan pilots and with an outstanding record of success in many of Australia’s biggest races, Jarrod Harper is a bona fide member of the Super Sedan elite. Therefore, Speedway Sedans Australia (ASCF) and the National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR) are very pleased to confirm Jarrod Harper as a contracted driver in the 2007/2008 National Super Sedan Series. Other drivers confirmed for the series include Wayne Randall, Michael Gee, Brad Smith, Dave Gartner, Jamie McHugh, Paddy Ward, Darren Kane, Steve Jordan, Bill Miller, Tony Barklimore, Wayne Brims, Steve Vaughan, Keith Higgs and Ashley Bergmeier, with more to come.
For the latest news and series information, visit the official series website at www.nationalsupersedanseries.com
Jarrod Harper- TAS #2 – Age: 39 – Resides: Hellyer Beach – Car Type: Pontiac Grand Prix
Sponsors: Totalcare Logistics, MDC Mechanical, Wootton & Byrne, Stanley Cabin & Tourist Park, Plunkett Constructions & Enniss Transport.
The 2007/2008 SSA/NASR National Super Sedan Series is proudly supported by the following sponsors:
Custom Transporters and Trailers, Sport Engines, AFCO Shock Doctor, Art by Mickey, Oval Express Magazine, www.tassiesupersedan.com, National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR), Speedway Sedans Australia (ASCF)