POLL: The introduction of the SuperUtes Series

Next season will see the Utes racing landscape change with the introduction of Supercars’ new SuperUtes Series.

Earlier this month the first two SuperUtes prototypes were unveiled ahead of the category’s 2018 launch after organisers shelved plans to kick off the series at Townsville this year.

The East Coast Bullbars SuperUtes Series will see turbo diesel powered production based dual cab Utes replace the current V8 Holden/Ford concept. which was first introduced in 2001.

The change in platform has been designed to bring the series more into line with current Ute market trends.

Supercars has confirmed six manufacturers/models of Ute are currently being homologated with Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton the first to be completed.

Work has now begun on the Mazda BT-50 while the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max and Holden Colorado are also set to feature in the series.

Each Ute will be fitted with a $60,000 control kit of components which has been developed by Pace Innovations.

Track testing is yet to begin although it is understood the Utes will produce less horsepower but far more torque than their predecessors.

While the start of a proposed eight round series is more than six months away, interest in the category has been steadily growing.

Ross Stone, who has been enlisted help guide the category, is planning to field three SuperUtes next year, including a Ford Ranger for Christopher Formosa.

The Sieders Racing Team has confirmed it plans to run multiple entries, including Craig Dontas in a Mitsubishi Triton and former V8 Utes competitor Ben Dunn in a Ford Ranger.

Three-time V8 Utes Racing Series winner Ryal Harris will also join the grid in a Peters Motorsport Mazda BT50.

Toyota is also set to be represented by Western Sydney Motorsport, who have confirmed at least one Hilux to join the series.

Supercars powerhouse Prodrive Racing Australia has also indicated its interest in becoming involved given its allegiance to the Ranger brand via its Tickford automotive aftermarket business.

Are you looking forward to the introduction of the SuperUtes Series?

Cast your vote in this week’s Pirtek Poll.