Craig Denyer | Part 2 - Brute Utes, TA2 & plans to break a record
About this episode
Craig Denyer shares the evolution of the V8 Ute series, highlighting its origins, unique appeal, and memorable moments over its 17-year run. He discusses the challenges of category management, the fun personalities created within the series, and the impact of marketing strategies from Ford and Holden. Denyer recounts thrilling stories, including a dramatic crash involving his son and the series' eventual transition to diesel Utes. The episode captures the spirit of grassroots motorsport and the camaraderie that defined the V8 Ute community.
For a time, Grant Denyer - the Gold Logie-winning racer and TV host who’s in our library - was simply Craig’s son. Now Craig is Grant’s dad!
How Craig’s clever grasp of the commercial side of media and motorsport helped early in Grant’s racing journey.
The advent of Ute Racing and why it took off.
His gravitation towards Category Management, which would see him excel in this space for decades.
More recently, it’s been the growth and expansion of the TA2 class, which is in great shape.
The funny nickname his grandkids have given him and why it stuck, plus the project he’s working on now that could break a record!
Grant, Craig and Rusty all worked together for years at Ten Motorsport. It’s no wonder this enjoyable, rapport-filled chat flies by.
Head to Rusty’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, give us your feedback, and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty’s Garage.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mazda 626
"...or Granter Racing. It raced in the GDP 3R in the Mazda 626 with Tom Watkinson and I was looking for a categ..."
Mazda is a car company from Japan that makes a variety of cars, including some fun sports cars like the MX-5 Miata. They are known for making cars that are enjoyable to drive and have been involved in racing.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for its innovative engineering and sporty vehicles, particularly the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which is celebrated for its lightweight and agile handling. The brand has a strong presence in motorsports and is often discussed for its contributions to performance and driving enjoyment. Mazda's unique rotary engine technology also sets it apart in the automotive world.
Holden SS Commodore
"...we were talking about these fantastic new sports suits, the new Holden SS Commodore and the Falcon AU XR8 that just came out..."
The Holden SS Commodore is a sporty version of a car made by Holden, popular in Australia. It's known for being fast and fun to drive while still being a practical car.
The Holden SS Commodore is a performance variant of the Commodore, known for its powerful engine and sporty features. It has been popular in Australia for its blend of performance and practicality.
Ford Falcon
"...the new Holden SS Commodore and the Falcon AU XR8 that just came out and we thought what a great idea for a low cost series..."
The Ford Falcon AU XR8 is a fast version of the Falcon car made by Ford. It has a strong engine and is designed for sporty driving, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Falcon AU XR8 is a high-performance variant of the Falcon, featuring a powerful V8 engine and sport-tuned suspension. It is well-regarded for its performance and handling.
prototype
"...we decided that Wayne should build a prototype..."
A prototype is an early version of a product that is made to test how it works. In cars, it's a model built to see if the design is good before making more of them.
A prototype is an early sample or model of a product used to test a concept or process. In automotive terms, it refers to a vehicle built to evaluate design, performance, and functionality before mass production.
V8 Ute
"...the very, very first V8 Ute prototype and that was kind of how the series started..."
A V8 Ute is a type of vehicle that has a powerful V8 engine and a truck bed. It's popular in Australia for carrying things while still being fun to drive.
A V8 Ute refers to a utility vehicle powered by a V8 engine. In Australia, Utes are popular for their versatility, combining the features of a car and a pickup truck, often used for both work and leisure.
Holden
"...Ford and Holden's Ute marketing spend was huge. Everybody loved them..."
Holden was a car company in Australia that made many types of vehicles, including Utes. They were very popular and often competed with Ford.
Holden was an Australian automobile manufacturer that produced a variety of vehicles, including Utes. It was known for its strong rivalry with Ford in the Australian market, particularly in the Ute segment.
Motec
"They had a Motec so we could see the ECUs. They had a suspension package but they did race on basically R-Spec tyres"
Motec makes special computers that help control how a car's engine works. They are often used in racing to make cars perform better.
Motec is a brand known for its advanced engine management systems and data acquisition products used in motorsport. Their ECUs (Electronic Control Units) allow for precise tuning and monitoring of vehicle performance.
R-Spec tyres
"They did race on basically R-Spec tyres and after Grant's big accident at the Clipsoil 500"
R-Spec tyres are special tires made for racing. They help cars grip the road better, which is important when driving fast on a track.
R-Spec tyres are high-performance tires designed for racing and track use, providing better grip and handling compared to standard tires. They are often used in motorsport to enhance performance on the track.
brake pad
"...I saw the left hand front brake pad fall out of the car."
Brake pads are parts of a car that help it stop. They press against the wheels to create friction, slowing the car down. If they wear out, they need to be changed to keep the car safe.
Brake pads are crucial components of a vehicle's braking system, providing the friction needed to slow down or stop the car. They wear down over time and need to be replaced regularly for optimal performance.
Adelaide 500
"...before they turn on to the main straight at the Adelaide 500, absolutely no brakes, warp speed, flat out in fourth gear..."
The Adelaide 500 is a big car race that takes place on the streets of Adelaide, Australia. It's part of a series of races where powerful touring cars compete against each other.
The Adelaide 500 is a prominent motor racing event held in Adelaide, Australia, featuring touring car races. It is part of the Supercars Championship and is known for its street circuit layout, which adds unique challenges for drivers.
supercars
"supercars under John Casey at the time who was their marketing manager wanted to get into the SUV type world"
Supercars are very fast and expensive cars that are built for performance. They are often seen as the best in terms of speed and technology.
Supercars are high-performance sports cars that are known for their speed, advanced technology, and often high price tags. They typically feature powerful engines and are designed for exceptional handling and acceleration.
SUV
"who was their marketing manager wanted to get into the SUV type world diesel SUVs"
An SUV is a type of vehicle that is bigger than a regular car and can handle rough roads. They usually have more space inside for people and things.
An SUV, or Sport Utility Vehicle, is a versatile vehicle designed for both on-road and off-road driving. They typically offer higher ground clearance, spacious interiors, and can accommodate more passengers and cargo compared to standard cars.
Graham Crosby
"...we had Graham Crosby who was a world superbike champion..."
Graham Crosby is a famous motorcycle racer from New Zealand who won championships in superbike racing. He is well-known in the racing community for his skills and achievements.
Graham Crosby is a notable New Zealand motorcycle racer and world superbike champion, recognized for his achievements in motorcycle racing during the 1980s and 1990s. His participation in events adds credibility and excitement to motorsport activities.
DVS series
"...it took a while for him to come back from that physically but when he came back he again won races in the DVS series"
The DVS series is a type of car racing in Australia where drivers can gain experience before moving up to more competitive races.
The DVS series, or Development Series, is a category in Australian motorsport that serves as a stepping stone for drivers aiming to compete in higher-level racing, such as the Supercars Championship.
Bathurst 12 Hour
"...he finished second in the Bathurst 12 hour to Damien White when it was a production car event..."
The Bathurst 12 Hour is a car race that takes place in Australia. It's a long race where different types of cars compete, and it's famous for being very difficult due to the track's design.
The Bathurst 12 Hour is an endurance race held annually at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia. It features a variety of production cars and is known for its challenging layout and competitive field.
McLaren
"...he won the Australian Manufacturers' Championship with McLaren..."
McLaren is a car company from the UK that makes fast and high-quality sports cars. They are also famous for their success in car racing, especially in Formula 1.
McLaren is a British automotive manufacturer known for producing high-performance sports cars and for its success in Formula 1 racing. The company has a rich history in motorsport and is recognized for its engineering excellence.
Bathurst 6 Hour
"...they rest together in the Bathurst 6 hour last year..."
The Bathurst 6 Hour is a long car race that takes place in Australia. It lasts for six hours and includes many different types of cars racing on a famous and difficult track.
The Bathurst 6 Hour is an endurance race held annually at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia. It features a variety of production cars and is known for its challenging track layout and competitive field.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...in the game over Camaro..."
The Camaro is a type of sports car made by Chevrolet. It is known for being fast and having a powerful engine, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular American muscle car known for its performance and sporty design. It has been in production since 1966 and is often compared to the Ford Mustang.
Mini Challenge
"...he went and raced Mini Challenge..."
The Mini Challenge is a racing event where different Mini cars compete against each other. It's a fun way to see how these small cars perform on the track.
The Mini Challenge is a racing series featuring the Mini brand of cars. It typically includes various classes of Mini vehicles and focuses on competitive racing in a fun environment.
Nürburgring
"...with the Queens to Nürburgring..."
The Nürburgring is a well-known race track in Germany where many car companies test their cars. It's famous for being very long and difficult to drive.
The Nürburgring is a famous racetrack in Germany known for its long and challenging layout. It's often used for testing cars and is a popular destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
PRI show
"...to race in so he went to America to a motorsport show over there called the PRI show and he ran into Chaz How..."
The PRI show is a big event where people in the racing world come together to see new cars and equipment. It's a great place for racers and companies to meet and learn about the latest in racing.
The PRI show, or Performance Racing Industry show, is a major annual event in the motorsport industry that showcases the latest in racing technology, equipment, and vehicles. It's a key gathering for professionals in the racing community to network and discover new products.
How Motorsports
"...and Chaz How through How Motorsports big Speedway family in the US had built a lot of cars for over..."
How Motorsports is a company that builds and works on race cars. They have been in the business for a long time and are well-known in the racing community.
How Motorsports is a company involved in the motorsport industry, known for building and modifying race cars. They have a long history in the field, contributing to various racing disciplines.
Chevrolet Beretta
"...tion costs but there's a young bloke called Mark Beretta we think he's got a bit of potential"
The Chevrolet Beretta is a small car that was made in the late 1980s and 1990s. It was popular for being stylish and affordable, and many people remember it fondly as a fun car to drive.
The Chevrolet Beretta was a compact car produced by General Motors from 1987 to 1996, known for its sporty design and affordability. It was popular during its time for offering a blend of style and performance, making it a common choice among younger drivers. Discussions about the Beretta often focus on its nostalgic value and place in automotive history.
Porsche Carrera
"Young Craig Nader who runs some Porsche Carrera Cup these days he'd live with me in this house"
The Porsche Carrera RS is a special version of the Porsche 911 sports car made in the early 1970s. It's known for being very fast and light, and many people love it because it's great for racing and has a strong following among car fans.
The Porsche Carrera RS, introduced in 1973, is a high-performance version of the Porsche 911 and is highly regarded for its lightweight design and racing pedigree. It is celebrated among collectors and enthusiasts for its engineering excellence and driving experience. The Carrera RS is often discussed in the context of motorsport and classic car collecting.
Toyota 86
"and then of course he went on to run Toyota 86 with Neil Crompton and now is head of Carrera Cu..."
The Toyota GR 86 is a new sports car that focuses on being fun to drive. It's lightweight and has a design that makes it easy to handle, which is why many car lovers enjoy it.
The Toyota GR 86 is a modern sports coupe that emphasizes driving pleasure and performance, developed in collaboration with Subaru. It is known for its lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive layout, and balanced handling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The GR 86 represents Toyota's commitment to creating engaging and fun-to-drive vehicles.
Ford Mustang
"Grant I know has had a Mustang in the garage he loves a bit of two wheel stuff"
The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car that started being made in the 1960s. It's known for being fast and stylish, and many people love it because it represents fun and adventure on the road.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive design, it has become a symbol of freedom and rebellion in automotive culture. It is often discussed for its rich history and continued popularity among car enthusiasts.
Ford Model T
"I searched the world for one Model T forums eBay everywhere I finally found one on"
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that everyday people could afford, made a long time ago between 1908 and 1927. It changed how cars were built and helped many families own a car for the first time.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often regarded as the first affordable automobile, making car ownership accessible to the masses. Its introduction revolutionized the automotive industry and paved the way for modern manufacturing techniques. Discussions about the Model T often focus on its historical significance and impact on society.
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