SuperUtes racing series coming in 2017

SUPERCARS Australia will be launching a new SuperUtes category in 2017.

The new entry to the high-profile Australian motorsport calendar will replace the existing V8 Utes series, which began back in 2001. It will expand on the V8 Utes series by opening its doors to all manufacturers.

“V8 Utes has been a popular and entertaining category, but with the changing automotive market it’s important that the Utes series becomes more market relevant,” Supercars managing director Matt Braid said.

“Utilising production based turbo-diesel dual cab utes currently available for sale in the Australian market, SuperUtes will open the category to a variety of new manufacturers while still maintaining the spectacular and entertaining elements that make the category such a favourite with the fans.”

This year, LCV sales have consistently risen. September 2016 sales figures released by VFACTS stated that LCV sales have increased by 17.9 per cent compared to September 2015 (while sales are up 11.2 per cent year-to-date).

Tony Weber, chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, said: “The trend in increased consumer preference for SUVs and light commercials was accompanied by a decline in sales of passenger vehicles by 8.7 per cent in September, compared with the same month last year.”

A press statement released by Supercars Australia explains that the company is “working with the existing Utes competitors to transition to the new category while also welcoming new entrants”.

The 2017 SuperUtes season is planned to kick off in Townsville next July, while events are also locked away in Ipswich, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Newcastle.