The first two SuperUtes – a Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton – were shown to the public in Townsville. In addition, the Mazda BT-50, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max and Holden Colorado dual-cab models have all been homologated for competition in the 2018 series.

Next year’s inaugural SuperUtes series already has a naming rights sponsor in ECB Bullbars; the series will called the ECB SuperUtes Series.

“ECB is a fantastic partner with an enormous passion for the ute segment which is the third highest category in the Australian car market to small cars and SUVs,” Supercars Managing Director Matt Braid said.

“This week the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hi-Lux were again the most popular cars in Australia, selling more units than any other model in the country.

“These SuperUtes not only look stunning but are a purpose-built race car which will be amazing to drive, is market relevant, affordable and with the highest safety levels. This will be a fantastic Series to compete in and for spectators to watch.”

The technical package for the SuperUtes calls for rear-wheel-drive and race-tuned version of the original manufacturer turbo diesel engine. A range of control components including roll cage, brakes, tyres, wheels, springs/dampers, gearbox has been mandated in order to keep costs down and promote close competition.

The first SuperUtes have been put together by Stone, a multiple Supercars Championship winning team boss. Stone himself will return to top level racing in the series, running a team of Ford Rangers.

“It is going to be a fantastic category for the competitors and the fans,” Stone said. “I wanted to look at something that would be a strong feeder category to Supercars and the more I looked at the SuperUtes the more I liked it. They are going to be a really good thing.

“It won’t be over the top with data but we’re going to have enough for a young driver to learn and have a good base of knowledge to progress into Dunlop Super2 Series or the main game.

“I’ve I really enjoyed getting in and helping the Supercars technical guys put the package together. It’s been a lot of work, but once the series is up and running I’ll just be a competitor.”

A provisional eight-round 2018 calendar sees the SuperUtes set to race at the Adelaide, Darwin, Townsville, Ipswich, Sydney, Bathurst, Gold Coast Newcastle rounds of the Supercars Championship.