Holden backs factory SuperUte squad

Currently, in a relatively non-descript Queensland industrial area, construction on the first car for Holden’s new factory race team is about to begin.

Instead of the Holden Commodores that we know and love, this new factory race car will be a Colorado dual-cab ute.

Yes, you read that right.

Holden today announced that it will enter a factory-supported Colorado in the new SuperUtes category.

The championship, which will replace the current V8 Utes series, will be made up of dual- or single-cab utes, with turbo diesel engines, and rear-wheel drive. Holden’s announcement means six different models are now expected to be on the grid at the first round next year.

Engines for the series are strictly controlled, with power from the turbo diesel units restricted to 253kW and 677Nm.

The weight of the SuperUtes is restricted to 1800kg, while costs will be minimised by implementing controlled components such as a CAMS-approved roll-cage, pedal box, ECU, gearbox and ratios, rear axle assembly with control diff and ratio, brakes, tyres, wheels, springs, and dampers.

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Ross Stone Racing is taking care of construction for the Colorado SuperUte on behalf of Holden, and recently completed a shakedown test of the Mitsubishi Triton the team will field independent in the series.

“Holden has been such an integral part of Supercars’ rich history, so it goes without saying that we are delighted to welcome it to the SuperUtes ECB Series,” Supercars Chief Executive Officer, James Warburton said.

“The Holden Colorado is now officially homologated and will take on five different manufacturers in what is shaping up to be an outstanding series.

“With official testing having commenced last week, and six models approved for racing, the SuperUtes Series will commence in 2018 with a very strong field and what will be great racing.”

Holden’s current factory race team is Triple Eight Race Engineering, which fields a pair of ‘Red Bull Holden Racing Team’ Commodores in the Supercars championship.

SuperUtes will race as a part of the Supercars support bill at select rounds.

Holden’s rendering gives a glimpse at what a Colorado SuperUte may look like, but the final product is likely to have a significantly higher ride height.