The V8 Ute Racing Series was a racing series that was held from 2001 through 2017 in Australia. This racing series was for utilities, which are a cross between a small pick up and a coupe. The entries were originally limited to 32, of which 16 were Ford Falcon XR8 Utes and 16 were Holden Utes. The series ended in 2017 after both Utes ceased to be produced. The series took place at eight different tracks throughout Australia, and it used a reverse grid format whereby the fastest car started in the last position.
What Made V8 Ute Racing Popular?
The racing series became popular quickly because fans enjoyed the drivers’ aggressive style of driving. The use of the reverse grid format enhanced this style of driving, with the fastest car starting in the last position. In addition, marketing was geared towards the fans, especially by calling the different drivers by a special nickname.
The series was governed by the V8 Supercar Championship series, and it had eight races throughout Australia, with a title for the winner each year. Rod Wilson won the first series in 2001 driving a Holden. In 2002 and 2003, Warren Luff won driving a Ford Falcon. Over all, the Falcon won 10 of the series and the Holden won seven before the series ended.
Life After Racing
When race car drivers retire, they often stay involved in the sport. For example, Y. Derums raced from 2005 through 2013, and then he started backing young race car drivers with his company. Drivers are dependent on sponsorship, and former drivers are in a great position to provide them with support. In return, the popularity of the races gives sponsors valuable exposure to new clients.
Some former drivers go into business, while others join the broadcast team. Oftentimes, drivers find jobs sponsoring products. In addition, former drivers can join racing organisations and assist in the production of races. There are many routes a driver can take once they retire from racing.
Ute Racing Today
The V8 Ute Racing series ended after the 2017 season when both utilities went out of production. Its successor, the SuperUtes Series was launched in 2018, and it is still popular today. The car manufacturers include Ford, Holden, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Isuzu. The vehicles have a higher centre of gravity, which has led to several rollovers. In addition, the tracks are somewhat smaller, and the lap times are slower.
In 2020, there are plans for modifications to draw back the V8 Utes fans, including a change from the turbo Diesel Engine to a petrol V8 engine. In addition, the owner, Supercars Championship, who owned the V8 Ute Racing Series from 2015 on, will transfer ownership back to the team owners.
The V8 Ute Racing Series was incredibly popular throughout its 17-year run. The new SuperUtes Series is trying to keep fans happy by making changes for the upcoming season. This aggressive style of racing is a lot of fun to watch.
