Motorsport: Sensible money will be on Baird

Mathematically there are still six drivers who could walk away with the trophy. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The race for the New Zealand V8 title at the last round of the series at Taupo this weekend may not be as close as it's been in the past.

Despite a big points lead, championship leader Craig Baird won't be resting on his laurels as it's the only New Zealand championship he's contested he hasn't won.

Mathematically there are still six drivers who could walk away with the series' trophy when the dust settles tomorrow afternoon. Sensible money will be on the Queensland-based Baird who holds a 136-point lead over early season pacesetter John McIntyre.

McIntyre will be feeling a bit of pressure himself with Tim Edgell breathing down his neck just a handful of points back in third. Defending champion Kayne Scott had a mediocre start to the defence of his title but has had a steady campaign of late to remain in the hunt.

The find of the series, Eddie Bell, showed his opening round win at Pukekohe was no fluke and hovers just behind Scott in fifth.

The Holdens have been having a hard time of it this season and the best placed of the General's drivers is Andy Booth in sixth. But with 225 points up for grabs over the weekend anything can happen and Baird will be happy to settle for points rather than outright wins.

"Look, I always go for the win and I've been around long enough and boxed enough to know you've just got to get out there and do your job," said Baird.

"I'm going for the double and try to win both the V8s and the Porsche. I was told I couldn't do both and it wouldn't work so I'm out to prove a point."

Although he only needs the points equivalent of three 6th places, nothing can be taken for granted in V8 racing. McIntyre's round four crash at Timaru almost eliminated his championship chances but he's confident he's still in with a chance.

"Look, I think we're still in the hunt for the title," said McIntyre. "I've seen championships won and lost in the last race. All I can do is put on the best performance I can and push Craig hard."

Defending champion Scott wants to put on a good show at Taupo to end his season on a high note. "It hasn't been the season we would have wanted, but it's been character-building stuff," said Scott.

"And despite all the grief we've just carried on battling away and I'd have to say we've learnt more this year than in other years when we've been more dominant."

Baird will be able to wrap up a record sixth Porsche GT3 title this weekend.

With a lead of 182 points something will have to seriously go wrong for him to miss out. The interest, however, will be on the battle for the minor places.

Former A1GP driver Jonny Reid is in second with Daniel Gaunt third just four points behind Reid and US based Kiwi Matt Halliday fourth a further nine points back.

Just to add a little extra spice to the racing, Taupo is again a round where The Mad Butcher-sponsored double-points and $10,000 prize money will be up for grabs in the 100km mini-enduro races. While the extra prize money has been a bonus, it's the double points on offer that can cause the biggest upset.

The Toyota Racing Series is a different kettle of fish and is tight at the top with Mitch Evans just edging out Earl Bamber by 34 points - less than the points gained for 10th place.

Both teens (Evans 15 and Bamber 19) have won three races during the season.

Evans won the International Trophy title at Manfeild, but Bamber upstaged him to snatch the NZ Grand Prix win.

Both drivers are very keen to take the $10,000 winner's prize, the TRS title and a European Renault 2.0 test drive, which is being offered to the 2010 champion.

V8 Points:

* Craig Baird, Ford: 852
* John McIntyre, Ford: 721
* Tim Edgell, Ford: 705
* Kayne Scott, Ford: 676
* Eddie Bell, Ford: 661
* Andy Booth, Commodore: 616
* Andy Knight, Falcon: 612
* Angus Fogg, Falcon: 529