V8 Ute driver, Craig “Thirsty” Dontas, is currently in Los Angeles, USA visiting the Long Beach GP and scoping out the American Version of the V8 Ute Series with a twist.

“It’s the 40th running of the event and I wanted to do some research to see similarities between Australia and the US, I also came over here to try and negotiate a couple of positions for Aussie V8 Ute Racers to come and race the SST (Stadium Super Trucks) series at the XGames,” the South Aussie said.

The long-time V8 Ute Racer met up with key organisers of the event during his time over there including; Former NASCAR and Indy 500 competitor Robby Gordon, the founder of the Stadium Super Trucks, who loves the Utes however commented “you guys need some jumps.”

Dontas was excited to hear the enthusiasm the Australian V8 Ute Racing Series has outside of his home country.

“It’s great that the American crew know what we do over here, I also caught up with Chris Hecht, the communications manager of the Series and he would welcome any Aussies to come and join the Series,” explained Dontas.

V8 Ute Category Manager, SPHERIX’S Craig Denyer believes, “there is a lot of interest in light truck racing at the moment, which is very timely considering the proposed new evolUTEion V8 Ute platform in 2016. It would be great to think that there might be an opportunity for Aussie and American racers to cross over and race in both countries.”

Dontas has the 2014 ARMOR ALL V8 Ute Driver’s championship title in his sights (currently 2nd in the Series), with the second round of the Series at Barbagallo Raceway next month (16 – 18 May).

“I’m not getting ahead of myself, there is a long way to go until the end of the Series, but our aim is to stay consistent and we should be able to hold onto our current position,” said Dontas.