Some of the most exciting and spectacular racing returns as the new-look New Zealand V8 Ute championships enters its new 13th season. The big utes of Ford and Holden battle it out and will be adorned with the series sponsor of hydraulic hose repair and fitting service provider RYCO 24•7. The iconic 1800kg, 400 plus horsepower Ford FG and BF models will trade paint with the Holden VE model featuring RYCO 24•7’s windshield and headlight banners.

The RYCO 24•7 championship season will run over four rounds – a format piloted successfully last season – and will visit Pukekohe Park, Hampton Downs for two rounds and Manfeild. The Manfeild round is the big New Zealand Grand Prix race weekend and features all of the country’s major racing classes.

Up to 18 cars are expected for the first round and will include several old favourites like former champion Paul Manuell, current champion Matthew Spratt, Brett Rudd, Glenn Collinson, Peter Ward, and Andrew Porter. The series is also set to confirm a host of new runners. A number of V8 utes that have been sat in sheds have been sold to potential runners or dusted off for a fresh campaign by their owners over the off-season and the big field will include at least one – and possibly two – RYCO 24•7 liveried Fords.

Ryco has a long and successful history in motorsport. In 2009 the company co-sponsored two V8 Utes in the Australian V8 Ute championship.  Closer to home, BNT V8 racer Nick Ross has carried the branding on his cars since 2006 and Concept Motorsport will once again be backed by RYCO 24•7 during the forthcoming season, giving the brand a very healthy presence in domestic New Zealand motorsport.

“It’s really all about building the brand and using motorsport to reinforce the qualities of the RYCO 24•7 product,” explained RYCO 24•7 Sales and Operations Manager Azim Aslam. “We enjoy supporting New Zealanders and it’s definitely going to be a busy season for us. We’re all very excited to now be a part of an established and exciting category like V8 Utes.

RYCO 24•7 V8 UTE CHAMPIONSHIP 2019-2020 CALENDAR

Round 1- 29 November – 1 December 2019 – Pukekohe Park
Round 2- 31 January – 2 February 2020 – Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
Round 3- 14 – 16 February 2020 – Circuit Chris Amon, Manfeild – NZ GP
Round 4- 27 – 29 March 2020 – Hampton Downs Motorsport Park