The NZV8 Utes look set to build on the positive momentum from a massive 2025/26 season that revealed some exciting new talents. During the next six months the Utes will tour the country’s premier motorsport venues, including heading across the strait to Timaru, Ruapuna & Teretonga.
First on the calendar is OctoberFAST 2026 at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon over the weekend of 23-25 October, where they’ll join the NZ Super Trucks along with a star-studded line-up of categories. The V8 Utes weekend is proudly supported by freight & warehousing experts PTS Logistics.
With a strong contingent of proven race winners signing up for the season, on-track action is set to be intense as teams begin to size up the competition which includes new drivers and several Utes which were revitalized during the winter months.
Peter Bennett joins the series having bought the ex-Brad Kroef series-winning Ford Falcon FG. To motorsport fans, Peter needs little introduction having made his mark in the SsangYong Utes & BMW E30s. Peter has won races and championships across several categories confirming his credentials, suggesting he’ll be super competitive as he steps up to the 400 horsepower heavy metal of the V8 Utes.
Glen Collinson missed an entire round last season, yet amassed enough points through numerous race wins and podiums to almost take out the series. Expect the Ford FG racer and previous title winner to be right in the mix for the title this season.
A late-season resurgence for Blair Gribble-Bowring earmarks the JWB Group Ford Falcon FG as another serious contender this season. Also in the Ford camp, the Vernon Developments Ford has undergone a winter rebuild and has all 8 cylinders firing to enable driver Dave Robb to mount a serious challenge.
Other returning talents include Bruce McRae who sat out last season, allowing his grandson Mitch Sparrow to hone his talents in the Diggabits/Euro Garage Holden ute.
Also making a welcomed return is Alex Fougere, a former race winner, who’ll step into the driving seat of Daniel Ludlam’s Holden just for the Manfeild round. Meanwhile his father Paul, along with seasoned racers Stu Monteith, Geoff Spencer and Tyler Ward will be muscling their 6.2-litre Holdens amongst the feisty 5-litre Fords.
Action at Manfeild begins with practice sessions on Friday 23 October. Qualifying for the V8 Utes is Saturday morning with Race One in the afternoon. Sunday morning’s Race two will be a reverse-grid format, then Race Three decides the round winner Sunday afternoon.
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