Mazda says no to SuperUtes

If the thought of 30-odd diesel dual-cab utilities burning around a racetrack struggles to get the blood pumping, you’re not alone.

Mazda Australia has indicated it has no plans to go racing in the inaugural SuperUtes campaign, which supersedes the long-running V8 Utes category from mid-2017.

Supercars announced the new category last month, polarising opinion first and foremost on whether the formula will work and whether it will be any good to watch. The Super Utes concept aims to capitalise on the dual cab pickup craze, using a simple oil-burning, dual cab formula.

While the ground rules of the category are yet to be fleshed out, it is understood manufacturers will be able to tip in support via their dealers – rather than fielding all-out factory teams.

Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak made clear that neither arrangement would likely include Mazda’s involvement – for the first year at least. He said Mazda had been formally approached by Supercars.

“There’s always that balance of investment versus what we see as the benefit,” he said.

“It’s a new category as well so if it’s hugely successful then we’ll have another look at it, but at this point we’re going to sit back for the time being.”

Only limited technical guidelines have been announced so far for SuperUtes. The immediate challenge will be to produce technical parity racing across a variety of engine and chassis configurations.

The technical specification for the pickups will include a control roll cage, cosmetic aero additions, a control Motec ECU and the possibility of a control transmission and rear axle assembly.

The performance kit will include an exhaust, front and rear shock absorbers and springs, six-piston front and four-piston rear brake callipers and front and rear discs, a pedal box and master-cylinder with brake-bias adjustment, control tyres and control wheels.

Despite no interest in the utes concept, Mazda is actively exploring future motorsport opportunities in Australia. The Japanese marque has had little track involvement since panning its celebrity challenge at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix after 2015.

An Australian version of the MX-5 Cup one-make series looms as the most likely avenue for Mazda, with Doak revealing to motoring.com.au that a 2018 series was even on the table.