The V8 Utes One-Hour Enduro is coming to Taupo

The V8 Utes head back to Taupo this weekend, this time for a marathon one-hour Yokohama One-Hour Enduro this Sunday 26 April 2026 as part of the NZIGP’s ‘Spirit of ANZAC’ event.

Long distance events like this always push drivers and their machines to the limit – and provide a riveting spectacle for fans. While typical V8 Utes races are done and dusted in 10 laps, we could potentially see the V8 Utes complete 30+ spirited laps. Thanks to the backing of Yokohama, the tyres will certainly be up to the task.

Past ultra-distance events have shown anything can happen – and it’s not always the series leaders that come out on top. Stu Monteith won the previous one-hour event back in 2023, who will have the staying power this weekend?

When the V8 Utes did battle at Taupo International Motorsport Park during Round 4 in March, we saw a significant reshuffling of the order at the top of the 2025-26 season points tally. Brad Kroef still sits on top having been a top qualifier and scored repeated podiums including three race wins this season. But there are some hot talents accelerating up behind him.

Second in the running and a big mover up the standings is Mitch Sparrow in the Diggabits Holden ute – he’s also been a top qualifier and had three race wins. Daniel Ludlam sits in third, after a round win and two race wins. For the Holden vs Ford tribalists, that means a Ford FG Falcon ute leads with two Holdens mounting a strong challenge not far behind.

While he may have missed Round Two, reigning title-holder Glen Collinson hasn’t missed the opportunity to win two races and score four second places in the rounds he has competed, elevating him to fourth in the series. Greg Kroef a top qualifier and Phill Ross a race winner this season sit fifth & sixth respectively, also just a few points down and potentially in contention for the title if they continue to put in strong performances.

Adding to the spectacle will be the NZ Sixes – six-cylinder Commodores and Falcons, who’ll once again line up on the grid just a few seconds behind the Utes.

Unlike a typical V8 Utes race weekend, there’ll be no practice sessions to sort out the gremlins, just a 15-minute Qualifying session early Sunday afternoon which will determine grid positions. Then late afternoon, Yokohama One-Hour Enduro – will be the last event for the weekend.