Dual-cab diesel SuperUtes to replace Australian V8 Ute Racing Series

The first two completed SuperUtes have been revealed in Townsville alongside confirmation of key details for the new series.

A Ross Stone Racing Ford Ranger and Sieders Racing Team Mitsubishi Triton were uncovered in front of media at the Reid Park street circuit ahead of the series’ kick-off in 2018.

The Mazda BT-50, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max and Holden Colorado have also been homologated for the turbo diesel dual-cab category which replaces the traditional V8 Utes.

A standard Hilux and BT-50 were also present at the launch, with the latter set to underpin Peters Motorsport's entry into the series.

Long-time V8 Ute supporter East Coast Bullbars (ECB) has been confirmed as naming rights partner, with the class to run under the ECB SuperUtes Series name.

A provisional eight-round calendar has also been released featuring the Adelaide 500, CrownBet Darwin Triple Crown, Townsville 400, Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint, Red Rooster Sydney SuperSprint, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, Gold Coast 600 and Coates Hire Newcastle 500.

Supercars CEO James Warburton, MD Matt Braid and Sporting and Technical manager David Stuart joined SuperUtes category manager John Casey and consultant/competitor Ross Stone at the launch.

“ECB is a fantastic partner with an enormous passion for the ute segment which is the third highest category in the Australian car market to small cars and SUVs,” Braid said.

“This week the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hi-Lux were again the most popular cars in Australia, selling more units than any other model in the country.

“These SuperUtes not only look stunning but are a purpose-built race car which will be amazing to drive, is market relevant, affordable and with the highest safety levels.

"This will be a fantastic series to compete in and for spectators to watch.”