Ford and Holden have each offered a test with their respective factory V8 Supercar teams as a prize in this year’s Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by Armor All.
The tests with Ford Performance Racing and the Holden Racing Team in current-spec FG Falcon and VE Series II Commodore V8 Supercars will be awarded to each of the manufacturers’ highest-placed drivers at the end of the V8 Ute season.
Reigning V8 Ute Champion Chris Pither said the opportunity to test (as a Holden driver) for HRT could be career defining.
“To have both Ford and Holden offer a test with their factory teams is fantastic, it could be a once in a lifetime chance to impress the best of the best – and who knows where that may lead?” Pither said.
“The tests also highlight just how competitive the V8 Ute Series has become and how seriously it is now viewed as a feeder or development category.”
Holden Sponsorship and Motorsport Manager, Simon McNamara said the opportunity added further incentive for drivers to win.
“Holden has a long and proud history in motorsport and has supported the V8 Ute Series since its inception,” McNamara said.
“Rod Wilson won the first championship in a Holden SS Ute, and in its 11 years the series has fostered up-and-coming talent while never failing to deliver anything but close and entertaining racing.
“The thrill of winning is every race driver’s greatest motivation, but a test in a Holden Racing Team Commodore with V8 Supercar’s most successful team is even further incentive to win.”
Ford’s Group Manager for Motorsport, Sponsorship and Events, Graham Barrie is equally excited about the opportunity to foster new talent.
“One of our current factory-backed drivers, James Moffat was a V8 Ute Rookie of the Year, so the series really stands up as a cost effective way to learn the tracks and, more importantly, learn how to race,” Barrie said.
“The new Coyote-engined FG Ute has had a successful race debut and we are excited about our continuing involvement in the series.
“Ford Performance Racing is currently leading the V8 Supercar Championship and the opportunity to test one of FPR’s race-winning Falcons is a great reward for drivers wanting to deliver the best result for the Blue Oval.”
Holden’s Nathan Pretty and Ford’s Kris Walton currently sit on top of the scoreboard, separated by just one point going into next week’s third round of the championship at Perth’s Barbagallo Raceway (4-6 May).
The 2012 Series consists of 25 races over eight rounds raced throughout Australia covering six states and one territory and is televised nationally through-out Australia on Network Seven and 7 Mate and internationally through Motors TV Europe, TV3 New Zealand and SPEED online in the USA.
