Fast cars and pizza – a match made in heaven? Pizza Hut is backing this as a winning combination, signing its first major sporting sponsorship just after launching its supersized pizza offer The Plank.

The fast food franchised business is backing 2011 NSW Formula Ford Champion and rookie V8 ute driver Steve Charman at the Bathurst 1000 race.

The sponsorship agreement includes naming rights and full car livery, and a major prize package to be worn at Bathurst 1000.

Steve Charman’s V8 ute also features in Pizza Hut’s latest TV commercial for The Plank [see below].

Pizza Hut Australia’s general manager Graeme Houston Said “Pizza Hut is the world’s largest pizza chain but selling pizza isn’t the only thing we do. We love getting behind Australian talent and can’t wait to see how Steve performs in his debut at Bathurst.”

Charman said “My debut in V8 Ute Racing will be my frist national championship event, first big race in a race care with a roof, and definitely a good step on the way to every Australian driver’s dream of racing in the V8 Supercars in the future. I am looking forward to working with Pizza Hut. It’s going to be an exciting event.”

Pizza Hut has also launched a competition on its Facebook page.

Check out the ute in The Plank video: