If you’ve never heard of the Ute Racing Series, you’re not alone. Native to Australia, this race series makes use of the modern day descendants of the car/truck hybrids we knew as the Chevy El Camino and the Ford Ranchero. While we don’t have this type of vehicle any more here in the U.S., we can definitely appreciate the fact that Holden, an Australian GM subsidiary, makes these vehicles and powers them with none other than a 6.0L LS V8.

The Ute Racing Series started in Australia in 2001 and was an instant hit. Part of the series’ popularity stems for the use of reverse grid racing, a method in which the starting order of each race is reversed so the first-place qualifier starts last in the field. In turn, aggressive driving is encouraged, which makes for some entertaining races. As you can see from the video, the drivers don’t hold anything back when it comes to smashing into each other and course obstacles. It’s almost like a grown-up version of bumper cars.

In order to be a part of the Ute Racing Series, one must be part of a franchise. Only 32 competing teams are allowed in the series, 16 of which must make use of Ford Falcon XR8 Utes, while the other 16 must use Holden SS Utes. As you can see, the battle between the two models, as well as between franchises, is brutal.

The Ute drivers compete on various road courses, circle tracks and grand prix-style tracks across Australia. This year, New Zealand race car driver Chris Pither took the championship behind the wheel of his Holden Ute.

From the looks of it, the Ute Racing series is far more entertaining than some of the race series we have here. Unfortunately, we have to rely on the internet to see any of it…