V8 Ute Racing Series

The V8 Ute Racing Series, known originally as the V8 BRute Utes was an Australian motor racing series for utilities, derived from the Australian Production Car Championship.

It was conceived in 2000 by PROCAR chief and owner Ross Palmer, V8 Ute Patron Ian McAlister and Procar employee Craig Denyer and launched March 2001, as V8 Brute Utes, at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.

The series was instantly popular, in part because of aggressive driving style of competitors, a style encouraged by the use of reverse grid racing, but also because of its very fan friendly marketing which included gimmicks like referring to each of its drivers by a nickname.

Drivers have included former Australian NASCAR champion Kim Jane, actor George Elliot, country music singer Adam Brand, television host Grant Denyer, driving instructor Gary Baxter, former Waratahs and Australian Sevens rugby union player Ben Dunn, former Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters National Rugby League player Jack Elsegood who was also the 2009 series winner, and former Supercar drivers Cameron McConville and Nathan Pretty.

SuperUtes, featuring turbo diesel powered dual-cab Utility vehicles, launched in 2018.

Ford BF Falcon XR8 Ute as driven by Pedro Marusic at the opening round of the 2010 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series at the Clipsal 500
Holden VE SS Ute as driven by Steve Hodges at the opening round of the 2010 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series at the Clipsal 500