Rally New Zealand will support Kiwi driver Mark Tapper in his bid to put together a full Production World Rally Championship campaign in 2009. Last year Tapper won the Asia Pacific segment of the new global Pirelli Star Driver competition with the prize being a fully funded drive in sixWRC events in 2009. Four of the events are also PWRC events, so Tapper plans to add two further PWRC events, Rally Argentina and Rally Australia.
Smiths are off
Several of New Zealand's motorcycle racing competitors are heading overseas. Sam Smith, who finished third in the NZ Sport 600cc class, is off to England to race against the Europeans. Jimmy Smith (no relation) is off to Australia after finishing second in the 600cc title chase and will contest the 1000cc class.
Pedrosa out of hospital
MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa has left the Barcelona hospital where he underwent two operations to repair damage to his knee and arm. The Spaniard is targeting a return to action at the season-opening MotoGP round in Qatar on April 12.
Coppins goes for title
New Zealand MX1 star Josh Coppins is having one more tilt at winning the world motocross title. It's not about money for Coppins; it's about grabbing that elusive number one plate which has eluded him over his illustrious career.
