The V8 Utes will be making their mark at Manawatu Car Club’s blockbuster event ‘OctoberFAST’ at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon October 23-25. They’ll join a star-studded line-up which includes the NZ Super Trucks along with motorsport categories including Porches, BMWs and much more.
Seasoned ute campaigner Geoff Spencer of Palmerston North is mounting another challenge in his Coresteel V8 Holden ute. Also based in ‘Palmy’, the V8 Utes weekend is proudly supported by freight & warehousing experts PTS Logistics.
With a strong contingent of proven race winners signing up for the season, on-track action for the V8 Utes is set to be intense as teams begin to size up the threat from new drivers and several utes which were revitalized during the winter months.
Peter Bennett joins the series having bought the ex-Brad Kroef series-winning Ford Falcon FG. To motorsport fans, Peter needs little introduction having made his mark in the SsangYong utes & BMW E30s. Peter has won races and championships across several categories confirming his credentials, suggesting he’ll be super competitive as he steps up to the 400 horsepower heavy metal of the V8 Utes.
Glen Collinson missed an entire round last season, yet amassed enough points through numerous race wins and podiums to almost take out the series. Expect the Ford FG racer and previous title winner to be right in the mix for the title this season.
A late-season resurgence for Blair Gribble-Bowring earmarks the JWB Group Ford Falcon FG as another serious contender this season. Also in the Ford camp, the Vernon Developments Ford has undergone a winter rebuild and has all 8 cylinders firing to enable driver Dave Robb to mount a serious challenge.
Other returning talents include Bruce McRae who sat out last season, allowing his grandson and rising star Mitch Sparrow to hone his talents in the Diggabits/Euro Garage Holden ute.
Also making a welcomed return is Alex Fougere, a former race winner, who’ll step into the driving seat of Daniel Ludlam’s Holden just for the Manfeild round. Meanwhile his father Paul, along with experienced racers Stu Monteith and Tyler Ward will be muscling their 6.2-litre Holdens amongst the feisty 5-litre Fords.
Action at Manfeild begins with practice sessions on Friday 23 October. Qualifying for the PTS Logistics V8 Utes is Saturday morning with Race One in the afternoon. Sunday morning’s Race Two will be a reverse-grid format, then Race Three which will decides the round winner is Sunday afternoon.
