The V8 SuperUte Series will take to the streets of Adelaide for the first time in its current V8-powered era, announced today as the final race category to join the 2023 VAILO Adelaide 500 support category undercard.
With the track program also available today at adelaide500.com.au, the V8 SuperUte Series will contest a non-championship event across all four days of the 2023 VAILO Adelaide 500, with drivers competing for the inaugural ‘Go Sunny Tradies Cup’ thanks to presenting partner Go Sunny Solar, which will go to the highest points scorer across all four races.
With six marques of dual-cab utes represented in the V8 SuperUte Series, the ‘Go Sunny Tradies Cup’ will enable both driver and manufacturer to fight for bragging rights on the streets of Adelaide.
The addition of the V8 SuperUte Series completes an exceptional support category line-up at the 2023 VAILO Adelaide 500, already spanning the traditional tin top categories, open wheelers and sports cars.
VAILO Adelaide 500 Chief Executive Mark Warren said: “The V8 SuperUtes have seen considerable growth in recent years with competitive racing, a full field and tight championship.
“Utes are the number one category for new vehicle sales with huge appeal to the tradies and have become a popular choice for family transport. The idea of having the ‘Go Sunny Tradies Cup’ is for fans to get behind their brand of choice and see them in door crunching battles on the racetrack.
“We are committed to delivering the best and most entertaining motorsport line-up at the VAILO Adelaide 500, and we’re counting down the days until we see the SuperUtes racing around our Adelaide street circuit in November.”
Launched in 2018, the V8 SuperUte Series is now racing in its new V8-era and is becoming one of the most market relevant categories in pit lane, providing opportunities for young apprentices while also paving the way for females in motorsport.
This year, the series has hosted the biggest field of utes, representing six marques, and has seen the most competitive season on record.
V8 SuperUtes Series Operations and Communications Manager Filippa Guarna said: “2023 has been an exceptional season of racing for the category with both drivers and teams enthusiastic about the future, including the trip to Adelaide to race for the inaugural Go Sunny Tradies Cup.
“The series aims to bring entertainment and fun to create a family friendly paddock and a connection between fans and their race heroes, while supporting its manufacturers which is an important part of our racing DNA.
“We’re also proud to have a record number of women racing in the category with Holly Espray and Ellexandra Best. Even though the championship will be wrapped up by the time we race at the VAILO Adelaide 500, all the drivers are really excited to finish the year off in front of South Australian fans and give it all we’ve got to put on a great show.”
The category is home to two South-Australian V8 SuperUtes drivers including George Gutierrez and former Aussie Racing Car champion Adrian Cottrell, from the Go Sunny Solar Holden Colorado team.
George Gutierrez, driver of the #19 Go Sunny Solar Holden Colorado said: “The VAILO Adelaide 500 is one of my favourite events. Last year we had our Go Sunny Solar V8 SuperUtes on display and it attracted a lot of attention from fans. This year it will be amazing to return but have four races in front of a home crowd because there’s no doubt Adelaide fans are some of the most passionate!
“Our teams and drivers will be sure to put on some great door-to-door racing for fans of all ages on the streets of Adelaide, and it’ll be a show you don’t want to miss!”
This final inclusion completes the track schedule for the 2023 VAILO Adelaide 500 which will kick off from 08:00am on Thursday November 23.
The VAILO Adelaide 500 will be held November 23-26, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketek with general admission free for kids 12 and under with a paying adult.
The final championship round of the V8 SuperUte Series for points will be run on the streets of the Gold Coast later this month (October 27-29, 2023).
