PAUL Morris is set to have a hands-on role with Triple Eight’s wildcard entry in the Repco Bathurst 1000, but harbours no desire to be behind the wheel himself.
The wildcard will be driven by Morris’ protégé Broc Feeney and returning veteran Russell Ingall; a combination dubbed the ‘Enforcer and The Kid’ by the entry’s public relations team.
Morris has close relationships with Triple Eight boss Roland Dane and sponsor Supercheap Auto and was part of the decision-making process that led to Ingall’s shock return at 57 years of age.
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‘The Dude’ is four years younger than Ingall and has raced far more extensively than his former teammate in recent years, which begs the question… was Morris’ own name in the mix for a drive?
“Roland understands that’s not for me. He didn’t ask, but probably because he knows the answer!” Morris told V8 Sleuth.
“It’s a big commitment. Russell is going to have to spend a lot of his time getting fit and getting his head around what he’s got to do.
“With the businesses I run, I don’t have the time to be applying myself for that job and it’s not something I’d want to do anyway.
“I really enjoyed doing the Bathurst 6 Hour [co-driving a Ford Mustang to a class victory], but that’s about where I’m at. I’m more excited to watch it from the sidelines.”
Morris ended his 22-race Bathurst 1000 career on a winning note in 2014, taking a famous victory as co-driver to Chaz Mostert despite an early-race incident at Griffins’ Bend.
The Queenslander’s Bathurst record also includes victories in the 12 Hour, 6 Hour and 500km (Super Touring) races; putting him in rare company alongside current Mountain master Shane van Gisbergen.
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Morris will be involved in both Ingall and Feeney’s preparation for Bathurst, as well as lending his expertise within the garage at the October race itself.
“I’ll be involved on race day, putting my racing brain across what’s going on,” said Morris. “It’s a cool thing to be involved in. I’ll definitely be there doing what I do.”
While Ingall’s lack of recent racing has plenty doubting his ability to be on the pace, Morris is adamant that the car will not only be competitive, but a chance of winning the race.
