AUS Ute: Ford drivers switch to Holden over sponsorship

Leading V8 Ute Ford drivers defect to Team Red

Leading Ford drivers Layton Crambrook and Craig Dontas will hang up the blue flag and step into a Holden VE Commodore SS V8 Ute for the tenth year of the Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series -- protected by Armor All.

Crambrook, the 2008 Champion will sport new Ice Break coffee colours on his Holden VE purchased from Ray Sidebottom who will be stepping out of the V8 Ute Series in 2010.

"Our new sponsor Ice Break has a relationship with Holden and we had to be in a Holden," said Crambrook.

Crambrook is confident the red colours will help him regain his 2008 title, which he is keen to reclaim after a frustrating 2009.

"We are hoping for three years in a row," commented Crambrook, still hopeful his judicial hearing from 2009 will be overturned in his favour which is still under CAMS investigation.

South Australian Craig Dontas who is gearing up for the "Ten Years of Legends Race" in his home town with race-partner Leanne Tander is feeling good about the Holden move.

"I suppose the biggest thing is Thirsty Camel wanted a change, a fresh look and to run a Holden," said Dontas.

Dontas' ute was recently purchased by David Murphy (Kim Jane Racing head mechanic), which was driven by Kurt Wimmer in 2009.

The Thirsty Camel Racing driver, will still sport the Green Camel colours but will change his number to 22.

"I suppose it's one of those things... 45 was my number for a long time, since I was a kid and it was time for a change. It's sentimental as it's the day of my birthday and also my little fella is born on the 2nd of the 2nd so it all just made sense really," explained Dontas.

Both drivers will take to the track in their Holden's over March 11 -- 14 at the Clipsal 500 for the "Ten Years of Legends Race", which is a two driver format and a celebration of the V8 Utes tenth year. Each driver will have 1 practice, 1 qualifying and 1 race with the final race a two driver format with mid race driver change. The Clipsal event will be round 1 of the 2010 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series -- protected by Armor All.

The V8 Utes had their inaugural race at the Clipsal 500 in 2001 and have competed at the Adelaide street race every year since.

-source: australian v8 ute racing