The Australian V8 Ute Racing Series will once again kick off their 2014 Series campaign at the Adelaide Parklands Street circuit at next year’s Clipsal 500, following the event launch in Adelaide this week.
The Clipsal 500 is where it all began for the V8 Ute Series in 2001, when 9 V8 Utes took to the track for their first ever race and 13 years later, a full 32 ute field (16 Ford’s and 16 Holden’s) hasn’t missed the event once. Category Manager Craig Denyer says the Adelaide event almost makes you feel like you’re coming home.
“It’s where it all started for us, so being at the Clipsal 500 event is somewhat of a tradition,” said Denyer. “We know the fans love the Ute action, and the South Australian Motor Sport Board really deliver a world class event, so we are very proud to be part of it.”
In 2010, the Series celebrated its 10th anniversary with a two-driver format in the “Ten Years of Legends Race”, featuring legends such as Stunt Driver Robbie Madison, Olympic Gold Medallist Steven Bradbury and motorsport legends Tony Longhurst, Charlie O’Brien and Cameron McConville, who all went on to drive full-time in the V8 Ute Series after the event.
Local Craig Dontas is confirmed to return again next year in his Thirsty Camel Hump Machine, and is hoping for a podium finish in his 7th running at his home event.
“It’s always great competing in front of a home crowd. The support is overwhelming. Our family and our sponsors always take up a box at the second turn, so I always know they are cheering for me when I drive past. It is a full-on event for me though, also working on the commercial team for the event, but I think I have my head around the whole thing now and I’ll be looking for a good result,” said Dontas.
South Aussie Noel “Sledge” Edge will also return for his 4th home-event. Edge will be joined by wife and crew chief Keryn. The Adelaide based conveyor belt constructor will also have plenty of family support over the race weekend.
Long-time V8 Ute driver Gary Baxter will watch from the side-lines next year, retiring from full-time racing at the end of the year. Baxter has stood on the Clipsal 500 Podium in a V8 Ute 3 times over the years, taking out the Clipsal title in 2003 and 2009. He also celebrated his 300th V8 Ute race there this year, and will retire with the highest number of V8 Ute race starts under his belt.
The 2013 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by ARMOR ALL has one round remaining at the Sydney 500 (6 – 8 December) before they can set their sights on the 2014 Season.
The 2013 Series had 26 races over 8 rounds. The Series is also televised nationally through the Seven Network, on Fox Sports and internationally through Motors TV Europe, TV3 New Zealand and SPEED online in the USA.
