Pitstop: Driver change

Ducati rider Casey Stoner (L) of Australia speaks as Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi of Italy. Photo / Reuters.

Team Kiwi Racing will have young New Zealander Chris Pither in the driver's seat for this weekend's second round of the V8 supercar championship at Eastern Creek near Sydney. Lead driver Kayne Scott is fulfilling his obligations in the NZV8 series in Invercargill over the weekend. Pither has driven in the Fujitsu development series for the past two years.

CHAMPS FACE OFF

Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi go head to head this weekend in the opening round of the MotoGP at Qatar. Stoner has been quick in pre-season practice but the five-time champion will want to reassert his authority after finishing outside the top two for the first time in 10 years last season.

MIDGETS POSTPONED

The New Zealand Midget championship race meeting that was due to be held at Western Springs speedway last Saturday has been postponed until next Saturday.

RAIN CLEARS FOR RACE

Two days of rain in the upper North Island meant organisers had to postpone the NZ dragracing grand final until this weekend. Today will include a non-compulsory qualifier for all divisions from 4-7pm. Another two qualifiers will be slotted into tomorrow's programme.