Two familiar names in motorsport returned to the first round of the national championship category at Hampton Downs at the end of October. Team Kiwi Racing was back with its black racecar emblazoned with TKR branding. And behind the wheel was one of New Zealand's most successful V8 and sportscar racers Craig Baird.
Baird and TKR combined to race in the V8 Supercars championship in 2004 and 2005 before the team folded and Baird went on to concentrate on Porsche GT racing with great deal of success.
The two reunited in the opening round at Hampton Downs and were quickly back in the groove.
"Over the years David John has battled away and put cars on grids in New Zealand motorsport and overseas," said Baird. "He put this programme together and in his words he wanted some guaranteed results so he could attract some sponsors.
"The main aim is also to help develop some youngsters. If you look back you can see TKR has helped a few get a start over the years."
Baird made a strong start to his campaign for yet another New Zealand motorsport title, picking up two wins and a second place to lead the championship.
He is ahead of Kevin Williams who won the opening race and finished second in the other two.
Rounding out the top three is James McLaughlin, who's keen to rattle a few of the veteran's cages.
"Yeah, getting the wins was pretty good," said Baird. "We're back at Puke this weekend and I've done a fair few laps around here over the years. My first race meeting was at Puke in Formula Ford in 1985 as a 15-year-old kid.
"I've got a lot of fond memories of the place. The track has changed over the last couple of years and that's certainly for the better. When you drive around there now it's almost like being at an international circuit.
"It's good going in with the points lead, but I'll be doing the best I can for the team and a chance of doing well in the championship."
Baird is one the world's best exponent at driving GT cars, racing various makes and categories all around the world.
Getting back into what some would say is an agricultural beast compared to some of the exotica he's used to, hasn't fazed him at all.
"They've all got four wheels, a steering wheel and some pedals down at the bottom. It really is that simple. After a few laps you can normally get on top of it.
"Apart from the sequential gearbox it's much the same as a V8 Supercar - clutch, brake throttle, no ABS, no traction control. It's nothing like a GT car where the driving style is a lot different due to all the electronic aids.
"I'm always jumping in and out of different cars so I don't really think about it."
Other drivers from other formulas who might feature during the two days of racing are Brendan Murphy, Brad Lathrope, Nathan Pilcher and Steve Taylor. They have the talent to challenge for a top place if they can come to grips with the NZV8 Touring Cars style of racing.
In the non-national championship TLX class, returning Aussie and former NZV8 champion Jason Bargwanna leads the series from Nick Ross and Lance Hughes. They will face an additional challenge this weekend from another Aussie, Scott Taylor who'll be driving a Toyota.
Standings
NZV8 Touring car points
1. Craig Baird 217
2. Kevin Williams 209
3. James McLaughlin 174
4. Steve Taylor 143
5. Brad Lathrope 138
6. Nathan Pilcher 129
7. Brendan Murphy 117
8. Andrew Anderson 114
