SIX ROUND SERIES ANNOUNCED FOR 2017 V8 UTES

The V8 Utes will compete in a six-event series until the end of the year in readiness for the conversion to SuperUtes in 2018.

Supercars announced today V8 Utes would commence the series at Winton Raceway with six events, concluding at the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 in November. The series will also race at the Townsville 400, Ipswich SuperSprint, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and the Gold Coast 600.

Supercars confirmed today that after discussions with competitors that the SuperUtes Series would formally start in 2018, giving them sufficient time to build their new cars across the course of this year.

Supercars Hall of Fame member Ross Stone will play an integral part in the development of the race cars and the SuperUtes Series over the coming months.

Supercars Managing Director Matt Braid said the decision to push back the launch of the new SuperUtes series provides more time to develop the new diesel powered race cars and gives teams extra time to prepare their cars for a full-season of competitive racing.

“Supercars has committed to continuing with the V8 Utes Series through this year and commencing a full SuperUtes Series with dual cab, turbo diesels in 2018,” Braid said.

“More time is required to fully develop and test the cars and to refine the specification of the race kits. We also want to give competitors the time necessary build their cars.

“Commencing in 2018 also allows manufacturers wanting to become involved the time to have their individual makes homologated and full race prepared.

“There are three models homologated to date, a Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 and a Mitsubishi Triton with the Toyota Hilux, Holden Colorado and Isuzu D-Max scheduled for the coming weeks.”

As part of the mighty Stone Brothers Racing with brother Jimmy Stone, Ross Stone is a great of Australian and New Zealand motorsport and considered one of the leading minds in the sport.

“We are delighted to have Ross on board and committed to the series given his vast knowledge and expertise over decades of racing at the highest level,” Braid said.

“Ross will play an integral part in the final design, engineering and engine development of the Series.”

Stone won three Supercars Championships with Marcos Ambrose and Russell Ingall, two Development Series crowns and scored 41 race wins, including a Bathurst victory in 1998 with Steven Richards and Jason Bright.

SuperUtes has already confirmed partnerships with suppliers SupaShock, PDW and ATC Transmissions with more committing to the first Series to be announced in the coming months.

The opening race of the 2017 V8 Utes Series will be held at the Winton SuperSprint on 19 May.