Motorsport: Scaife favourite to win V8 at Pukekohe

Australian speed demon Mark Scaife is the hot favourite to win this weekend's V8 Supercars international at Pukekohe.

Holden Racing team's Scaife, who is leading the series, is paying $3 to win at the TAB.

He is also paying $3.75 to win the Top 10 Shootout.

As for Kiwis, it's the Ford of Paul Radisich versus the Holden of Greg Murphy.

Radisich is second favourite to win this 12th round of 13-race series, paying $6. Murphy is paying $7.

A full line-up of V8 Supercar drivers will compete in the event brought out of Australia for the first time.

"We certainly have a top class field for the V8 Supercars at Pukekohe," race director Geoff Jones said.

"Local motorsport fans can be sure to enjoy all the thrills and spills that make this class of racing so exciting.

"In terms of the Shell Championship Series, Pukekohe may well prove the deciding round for 2001.

"We have Mark Skaife in a Holden in the lead with 3050 points after the last championship round at Bathurst, followed by another Holden driver Russell Ingall on 2595 points and Skaife's team-mate Jason Bright with 2504 points.

Stephen Johnson is the best of the Ford drivers in fourth position and 2276 points.

Greg Murphy is the first New Zealander in the series at fifth with 2274 points.

- NZPA