The Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series - protected by Armor All officially launched into the 2012 season at Nulon Oil headquarters in Sydney last today (Saturday, 18th February).
John Simons, Managing Director of Nulon Oil, was on hand to greet guests and welcome them to his facility.
"We are so happy to host this year's launch. We've been involved in the Series for two years now and about to step into our third, which says it all really, the fact we keep coming back is a great testament to the category and the continued value to us," said Simons.
Wanda Paint was announced as the "Official Paint Suppliers" for the year, which featured an unveiling of a Wanda branded Ute, that will participate in the first two rounds of the V8 Utes Season. Wanda's General Manager South-East Asia and Pacific, Joe McFadries is looking forward to a healthy involvement with the V8 Ute Series.
"One of the key things for us, is the fan base of V8 Utes is so closely aligned with the Wanda target market. I think there is great synergy and we think they will really embrace the Wanda brand and really embrace Wanda herself. It is exciting what we're doing in the industry and for the industry. We have been in the sport a long time and this is an extension of our commitment to the sport," said McFadries.
The new Rodney Jane Racing wheel was on display, which will be on sale in all Bob Jane T-Mart stores, from early April. The retail wheel will be very similar to the race wheel, and will be branded as an official V8 Ute product.
Drummond Suspension was also announced as the new "Official Suspension Supplier" to the series and Make-A-Wish were confirmed as the Official Charity for the Season. The Albury based supplier has been working on the new V8 Ute control suspension for the past 6 months, and in testing the new package has proven to be better under brakes and more stable over the kerbs.
The Championship winning Ice Break Holden of Chris Pither was on display, with a tray of fresh milk handed out from the back, along with the new Coyote engined Ford FG of Ben Kavich.
"The day was a great success, it's so good to see so many people come out and support us at such an intimate event. The Nulon facility is fantastic - it's a great way to kick-start the year and I'm super keen to drive the Ice Break Ute again," said Pither.
Other drivers on hand were Andrew Fisher, David Sieders, Ben Dunn and Warren Millet, who took part in signing sessions and stage talks, which were hosted by V8 Ute driver George Elliot
Naming rights partners Armor All and Auto One were also represented at the launch, along with Official Exhaust Supplier Pacemaker Headers, and Official Brake Supplier DBA, joining the 300 strong guests attending the event.
The V8 Utes are gearing up for the first round of the Series at the Clipsal 500 in two weeks (1 - 4 March) time, and are all eager to hit the Adelaide Parklands track.
The 2012 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series - protected by Armor All features 32 Ford and Holden production based V8 racing utes - covering 8 championship rounds, and 24 races through five states of Australia. The series is televised nationally on the SEVEN Network, through Fox Sports, TV3 New Zealand, Motors TV Europe and over 40 countries worldwide.
