MOTORSPORT: Tradey trucks for V8 Ute racing

A racing series aimed at the likes of the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara is set to emerge in 2016, although manufacturers are adopting a wait and see attitude before jumping onboard.

The current V8 Ute series that is a highly entertaining and staple support on V8 Supercars programs will transition from an exclusive Ford Falcon v Holden Commodore contest to racing pick-up trucks by 2017.

Gold Coast-based promoter Spherix aims to have 10 of the new-generation pick-ups on the grid in 2016 alongside the Falcons and Commodores before they are expected to take over completely the following year.

The transition is being driven by the end of production of the Falcon no later than October 2016 and the Commodore by late 2017.

It's a logical move considering the health of the tradey truck market. While sales in Australia did decline slightly in 2014 compared to 2013, combined 4x2 and 4x4 sales still accounted for more than 180,000 sales.

Unlike the Falcon and Commodore, which are based on the production cars, the pick-ups will employ a control chassis with the appropriate sheetmetal draped over the top. This is similar to the technical basis of the current 'Car of the Future' V8 Supercar.

Initially, the pick-ups will be powered by production-based petrol V8 engines, which means the Ford Ranger and Holden Colorado are expected to dominate the early grids because of the pool of available engines.

But diesels could also be on the agenda going forward, reflecting the buying tastes of the customer base.

Holden motorsport boss Simon McNamara alluded to this when contacted by motoring.com.au about potential interest in the series.

"Holden has been a great supporter of the V8 Utes since its inception in 2001, and we continue to support a number of teams and drivers," he said.

"The changing car market has created challenges for the V8 Utes management, as it did for V8 Supercars, and we understand the need to look to the future.

"We have been briefed on the new rules, but while the concept proposes to retain the V8 engine we have encouraged the use of powertrains more relevant to the market, which in turn should attract greater manufacturer interest."

The announcement of the constructor of the control chassis is expected imminently, while technical regulations for what Spherix dubs 'Ute of the Future' EvolUTEion, should be laid out in April. The first prototype pick-up is on schedule to be completed in August ahead of the testing program and build process.

Spherix's Craig Denyer told motoring.com.au the organisation was yet to engage with manufacturers in detailed discussions about the new category.

"We haven't actively courted too many because we want to actually build one so we can all see, touch and feel it," he explained.

"I think at the end of the day our platform as a category has always been to be an entertainment category first and a motor racing [category] second ... and that won't stop.

"Hopefully we will make that platform so attractive the manufacturers will want to play in some form, as Ford and Holden have done at various times over the last 15 years."

Denyer also stressed the intention was to make the pick-ups affordable enough so overwhelming factory support wasn't required to be competitive.

Spherix is targeting $120,000 as the cost of a turn-key race car while repair and running costs are also aimed at being cheaper than the current vehicle.  Engines will continue to be subject to electronic parity.

By contrast to this, V8 Supercars requires multi-million dollar budgets and factory backing for a team to be a championship-winning chance.

A significant investment in V8 Supercars was the reason cited by Nissan Australia for being cool about involving itself in the new series with the Navara, which launches in a new generation this year.

"Nissan has been briefed by some competitors on the structure and we have taken that onboard," spokesman Chris Jordan said.

"But right now we have a strong commitment to V8 Supercars racing and our focus is to achieve more success with that in coming years.

"However, we will watch the development of the series with interest."

Toyota Australia's public relations manager Mike Breen said the market leader's commitment to a new racing series for the 86 sports car was its motorsport priority.

"Apart from hearing they're changing the rules from 2016, we really don't know much about it," he said.

"As we're starting the 86 Pro Am race series from the beginning of 2016, I think most of our resources will be directed towards that.

"So, I guess you could say, we have no interest [at this stage]."

Isuzu's motorsport priorities for the D-Max also lay elsewhere, said spokesman Dave Harding.

"At this point in time, Isuzu Ute Australia doesn't see the benefit in entering a vehicle in this series as we don't believe it presents a true representation of our vehicle.

"Sure it provides branding benefits but it's not really where we want to be right now.

"As far as motorsport is concerned, selected off-road racing events provide us with the opportunity to truly demonstrate the strength and performance of our vehicles with minimal modification."

Here's what some other pick-up truck brands told motoring.com.au:

"It sounds like an interesting concept, but not one we're in a position to consider at this time.  We'll be watching with interest." Shayna Welsh – Mitsubishi Motors Australia

"I can't see Ateco having any interest in pursuing the latest iteration of Ute racing. Plenty of us would have an interest as individuals, but unless one of the manufacturers actually insisted on it and was willing to underwrite the effort financially there is no way Ateco would be involved." Daniel Cotterill, spokesman for Ateco Automotive, distributor of Great Wall Motors, Foton and SsangYong in Australia.

"Mazda Australia has no plans to participate in any racing series with the BT-50." Karla Leach – Mazda Australia Senior Manager Public Relations

Ford Australia was contacted but did not provide a response before the article was published.