Brad Patton has announced a spectacular new deal with VIP Petfoods for the 2011 V8 Ute Series.

He’ll form the nucleus of a two-car VIP Petfoods V8 Ute Team with fellow Queensland livewire Ryal Harris.

“This is going to be the best year on record,” beams Patton, “I’ve never been this excited about a year of motor racing. Our team is going to look sensational and I’m certain that this will be the best year yet both on and off the track.”

Patton is proud of the new relationship with VIP Petfoods on many levels.

“For me personally this a natural extension for a professional relationship that has gone on for over a decade,” he concedes, “through our family business Big Gun we have endorsed, supported and stood by the superior quality of the VIP Petfood products.”

Brad also sees similarities in the VIP Petfood charter and that of his own company.

“VIP Petfoods is a proudly Australian owned company and it’s a family business. That’s something I certainly relate to. I am both excited and proud to be given the opportunity to promote VIP Petfoods for the 2011 V8 Ute schedule this year.”

This is not the first foray into V8 Utes for Australia’s leading fresh-chilled pet food business of course.

In the early days of the then fledgling “Brute” Ute Series VIP was the major backer of rising TV star and celebrated wheel twister Grant Denyer.

The return to V8 Ute competition for VIP Petfoods is something that CEO Tony Quinn (himself a dedicated motor racer) is an exciting development on several levels.

“When Brad and Ryal approached us about the sponsorship we could see the benefits of the association and we are looking forward to them performing well in the Utes this year to ensure VIP Petfoods have a strong presence in a number of the leading racing categories including the GT and V8 Supercar championships for 2011.”

VIP Petfoods will be the naming rights sponsor of both Brad Patton and Ryal Harris’ XR8 Falcon Utes – as part of a wider line-up of four cars (including co Big Gun Racing principal Peter Burnitt in the CNW Falcon and Greg Willis in the Only Juice Falcon) under the Big Gun Racing banner.

“It’s all come together very quickly,” Patton smiles, “we’re literally on the road now to the series opener at The Clipsal 500 and we’ve been working on the livery and putting the finishing touches on as we leave our Brisbane base. It’s been a whirlwind week that’s for sure.”

Patton is confident that he and Harris can run at the pointy end of the field.

“We’ve already had a couple of very exciting test sessions. Ryal is already fast in his Falcon and I’m driving a brand spanking new XR8 after I destroyed last year’s car in a big crash at Surfers Paradise. I’m amped. I can’t thank Tony Quinn enough for this opportunity and I look forward to rewarding him with some great results both on and off the track.”
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