"The organisers wanted to freshen up the look of the category," says Andrew. "We didn't really want to move to the updated model because it's a big expense, but we had to abide by majority rules."
Lucky for Jesus Racing, the teams are allowed to acquire second hand FG Utes- so that's the way Jesus Racing has decided to go!
Time is short as the new car is approved for racing from Round 1 next year, which is only 10 weeks away.
The Jesus Racing Team already has a couple of options and are currently waiting for team panel beater Mark Donnelly to check them out.
Once purchased, the FG will be stripped to a bare shell and shipped to Yatala in QLD where it will have a CAMS-approved roll cage fitted by Pace Innovations.
A new Coyote Mustang engine will then be fitted.
The engine is currently on its way from America and is the non-supercharged 5.0L engine, which is run in Mustangs over there.
Once it arrives in Australia it will be checked out by Cragstead Automotive in Browns Plains QLD (the category engine builders) before being sent to Sieders Racing at Yarramundi in NSW , where it will be installed in the new Jesus Racing Ute.
The new engine will have significantly more power than the current BF engine and will be capable of putting out 460hp.
"We obviously want to keep costs down,"says Andrew. "but we need to stay on top of new developments if we are to have any chance of success in the Auto One V8 Ute Series.
"Our work off the race track with young people means it's important we stay ahead of changes within our category.
"In order to maximise our profile we need to perform well right from the beginning, which is why we are trying to make the switch to the new car between now and the start of the 2012 season.
As it currently stands, the existing Jesus Racing Ute will be retained by the team. It will be used as a test vehicle for developing drivers and will also be used at ride days and shows and events.