MOTORSPORT: Isuzu announces factory-backed SuperUtes team
Japanese marque to team with Ross Stone Racing in 2019 championshipSupercars’ polarising SuperUtes category has its first official factory backing, following confirmation that Isuzu will field a team across eight rounds of the 2019 season.
The Japanese marque has announced a partnership with Ross Stone Racing for the 16-race fixture, with Kiwi Tom Alexander as lead driver.
While Holden has tipped some support into the category, Alexander’s number 22 D-MAX, finished in a blue and white livery, marks the first factory commitment of this calibre. Ford and Ssangyong are also understood to be contemplating more substantial commitments.
RSR team principal Ross Stone hopes to make significant progress in 2019 with ISUZU’s backing.
“The Caltex Delo Racing SuperUte looks great and we can’t wait for the season to begin,” he said.
“We learnt a lot last year and we’ll be chasing the championship this year. It’s great to have Tom back on board in the D-MAX, he’s now driven at all the events we’re competing in this year except for Perth so we’re already ahead of where we were last year.”
Twenty-five year old Alexander finished strongly in the inaugural SuperUtes season, wrapping up third overall in the standings after six pole positions and six race wins.
Isuzu will effectively replace Holden for Ross Stone Racing within the SuperUtes fleet.
“We followed the SuperUtes category closely during the maiden year of competition and were impressed with the level of racing displayed and feel that this is a great platform to showcase our 3-litre turbo diesel engine in our Isuzu D-MAX,” Isuzu Australia marketing manager Mike Conybeare said.
“We wish Tom and Ross Stone Racing all the best for the upcoming season and hope fans enjoy seeing the Isuzu D-MAX mixing it with some of the best drivers in the country.”
The Isuzu SuperUte joins the grid alongside six other marques of dual-cab ute, debuting on track at the 2019 Superloop Adelaide 500 on February 28 to March 3.
SuperUtes will continue to operate as a curtain-raiser for Supercars through eight rounds of the championship.
- Adelaide SuperLoop (Feb 28-March)
- Perth Supernight (May 2-4)
- Winton Supersprint (May 24-26)
- Watpac Townsville 400 (July 5-7)
- Coates Hire Ipswich Supersprint (July 26-28)
- Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 (October 10-13)
- Vodafone Gold Coast 500 (October 25-27)
- Coates Hire Newcastle 500 (November 22-24)
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