Pitstop: Coppins over the breaks

Josh Coppins. Photo / Andy McGechan

MX1 rider New Zealander Josh Coppins' rehab has been going well and he heads to Bulgaria for the fourth round of his title chase. Despite having to contend with broken toes in the three previous rounds, Coppins sits third on the table, just 19 points behind the leader David Philippaerts, who is on 102 points.

Chandler's foot in mouth

Just when you thought New Zealanders had matured on the international stage and took in the big picture, one of us has made yet another faux pas. This time it's the head of world rally, Morrie Chandler, who is suggesting rally drivers get a short-back-and-sides and shave. Chandler said defending WRC champion Sebastien Loeb should not be filmed until he's smartened his appearance and had a hair cut. Why is it senior administrators in sport are so out of touch with reality? Maybe if they stopped navel-gazing they'd realise unkempt is the modern look.

Tander back on track in V8

The fourth round of the V8 Supercars is back on home soil for the Perth instalment of the championship. After winning all three races at the Hamilton400, Garth Tander has his campaign on track and is closing in on first-placed Rick Kelly. Kiwi Steve Richards leads the Kiwis in sixth place with Fabian Coulthard nicely poised in 10th. Watch out for Greg Murphy as his new car showed good pace in Hamilton and should be sorted for the tight circuit.

Gilmour aims for rally win

Local driver Emma Gilmour will be hoping to improve on her second-place finish last year at the Rally Otago this weekend. Finishing just 2.4s behind winner Richard Mason in 2007, Gilmour was the best placed local driver in a national championship. Mason leads the title chase after the first round at Rally Wairarapa.

20 utes in championships

The third round of the New Zealand V8 Utes championship takes place at Taupo this weekend, after two South Island rounds. With 20 utes expected to take part, the traditional Ford/Holden rivalry is set to continue. Matthew Lockwood leads the series on 282 points.