Drivers sample SuperUtes

A host of potential competitors have sampled the first two completed SuperUtes during a two-day test at Norwell.

Over 20 drivers cut laps in the Ross Stone Racing Ford Ranger and Sieders Racing Mitsubishi Triton as momentum continues to build ahead of the inaugural 2018 season.

The dual-cab, turbo diesel machines will replace the current V8 Utes next year, racing at selected Supercars events across the country.

Current V8 Utes Series competitors Kim Jane, Chris Formosa, Craig Woods, Maxim Erickson and Craig Dontas were among those to take the wheel.

Those from other categories included Elliot Barbour and Morgan Haber (GT), Liam McAdam (Toyota 86s) and Dean Walsh (Aussie Racing Cars).

Dontas, who will race the Triton next season, feels the test marked an important step in the establishment of the category.

“It’s exciting. People can genuinely see that there’s a category coming together,” Dontas told Supercars.com.

“There’s a real sense of the entertainment and commercial potential of the series that’s starting to build.

“As a driver, they’re a lot more of a race car than what it looks like in pictures and I think it changed the perception of a lot of people.

"There have obviously been a few knockers, but I think this is a bit of a turning point.

“Those who drove will be the best salesman for it through word-of-mouth.

“There were even a few fans who came out because they’d seen it on social media. That was impressive to see."

More SuperUtes are currently in build, with the Toyota Hilux, Mazda BT-50, Isuzu D-Max and Holden Colorado also homologated for competition.