After a massive 2025-26 season that revealed exciting new talent, the NZV8 Utes look set to build on their positive momentum. Over the next 6 months, the Utes will tour the country’s premier motorsport venues, including a trip across the strait to Timaru, Ruapuna & Teretonga.
First on the calendar is OctoberFAST 2026 at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon over the weekend of October 23-25, 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, including new drivers and several utes revitalised over 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, proving his credentials and 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 former title winner to be right in the title mix 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 now has all 8 cylinders firing, enabling 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 welcome return is Alex Fougere, a former race winner, who’ll step into the driver’s seat of Daniel Ludlam’s Holden for the Manfeild round. Meanwhile, his father Paul, along with seasoned racers Stu Monteith, Geoff Spencer and Tyler Ward, will muscle their 6.2-litre Holdens among 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. Race Two on Sunday morning will use a reverse-grid format, then Race Three on Sunday afternoon will decide the round winner.
Header Image: Dillon Photo NZ
