UTE: Rod Wilson wins first-ever V8 BRutes race for Holden

HOLDEN Commodore SS driver Rod Wilson won the first race of Australia's newest motor racing series, the V8 BRutes, in Adelaide today.

After starting second on the grid, Wilson took early command of the five-lap event to lead home Gary MacDonald in another Commodore by 1.3 seconds.

Damien White, in third, brought home the first Ford Falcon XR8 in the series, which is for identical Falcon and Commodore utilities.

V8 BRute series organiser Ross Palmer, of PROCAR Australia, said the successful running of the first race marked the start of an exciting new chapter in Australian motorsport.

"The V8 BRutes competition between Holden and Falcon utes is motor racing that is highly entertaining and that even non-enthusiasts can identify with," Mr Palmer said.

"What could be more Australian than racing V8 utes?

"When the utes came up the straight to take the chequered flag today the crowd in the grandstand got up and cheered - what a way to welcome a new racing championship!"

The V8 BRutes' Adelaide appearance is a shakedown for a six-round championship starting at Wakefield Park, NSW, on 4-6 May. The series will be staged by PROCAR Australia.

<pre> RESULTS, Race 1 (5 laps):

1.  Rod Wilson (Holden Commodore SS)
2.  Gary MacDonald (Holden Commodore SS)
3.  Damien White (Ford Falcon XR8)
4.  Gary Young (Ford Falcon XR8)
5.  Charlie Kovacs (Holden Commodore SS)
6.  Grant Denyer (Ford Falcon XR8)
7.  Ian McAlister (Ford Falcon XR8)
8.  Dennis Gilbert (Ford Falcon XR8)

DNS Nathan Pretty (Holden Commodore SS)

Fastest lap - Wilson, 1 min. 47.24 sec.

WEEKEND TIMETABLE: Saturday - 5.55 pm (Race 2, 15 min.). Sunday - 10.35 am (Race 3, 20 min.).

-Chris Nixon