Barbour Thrilled to be Ambassador

V8 Ute Racing driver Elliot Barbour will run Guide Dogs Victoria on the front bonnet and tailgate of his Ford FG this weekend.

Clients from Guide Dogs Victoria visited Barbour today at Sandown Raceway before the ambassador takes to the track for Round Five of the Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by ARMOR ALL – as part of the Wilson Security Sandown 500.  

The young St Kilda resident was more than happy to show clients Luke Koenders, Sam Hodson and dog Vito around his Race Ute and the V8 Ute Paddock and is happy to be chosen as an Ambassador.

"I am really excited that Guide Dogs Victoria has chosen me to be an Ambassador for what I think is a fantastic cause,” Barbour said. “I have always had a love for dogs and do believe that they are a man's best friend.

"The reason why I am so keen to get involved with Guide Dogs Victoria is because as a child I saw my grandparents sponsor a Guide Dog. I saw the incredible sense of satisfaction it gave them in knowing that their contribution changed someone else's life in a big way.

“That had a profound effect on me and knowing you are helping find someone a 'mate' in life that will guide them through every day things that sighted people take for granted is just fantastic…

“There will be many more people who will be living with vision impairment in the coming years and it's important for us to make sure these amazing dogs go to the people who need them."

Similarly, Guide Dogs Victoria is thrilled to have the young race car driver on board.

CEO Karen Hayes said, "Almost a third of our clients are children and it will be incredibly inspirational for them to have a young role model."

Barbour has been racing in the Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by ARMOR ALL – since the start of the year and is currently leading the V8 Ute Rookie ladder, which might see him land a Test Drive with Erebus Motorsport in one of Mercedes-Benz AMG race-cars.

Barbour will hit the track on Friday for practice followed by Qualifying and races over the weekend.

The V8 Utes is just one category supporting the V8 Supercars at the Wilson Security Sandown 500, with Formula 5000 and Touring Car Masters also on track this week.

Tickets are still available for the event.