Pitstop: King trims his focus for new season

Taranaki Rider Shayne King will defend only one of his two national motocross titles when the four-round championship begins at Mercer this weekend. King won both the 250cc and 500cc last season but has entered only the 250cc event at Mercer, where his opposition includes his Hamilton-based brother, Darryll, who will contest both classes.

World champion Katherine Prumm, who recently cut short her American campaign, will defend her women's title and also ride in the 125cc class.

Mason's double bid

Masterton Subaru driver Richard Mason could clinch his second national title in a row at the Wairarapa round of the championship this weekend. Mason will miss the final round at Nelson because of commitments in China, but he has a 78-point lead over second-placed Sam Morgan.

Chandler ends role

World rally boss Morrie Chandler has stepped down as chairman of Rally New Zealand following his election as president of the World Rally Championship Commission. Auckland transport executive and long-serving administrator Chris Carr will take over as chairman of the rally, the 15th round of the world championship, on November 16-19.

Happy Halliday

New Zealand A1GP driver Matt Halliday has had two successful tests with the Ford Performance Racing team in preparation for the V8 Supercar endurance races at Sandown and Bathurst. He is likely to be paired with Cameron McLean. The WPS team have confirmed Craig Baird will drive with former Bathurst winner Jason Bargwanna.

Dixon road tip

Scott Dixon will start as favourite when the IndyCar field take to the road course at Sonoma in California this weekend. A win would keep alive his championship hopes with one round to go.

Gilmour shines

Dunedin driver Emma Gilmour has made her mark in international rallying, setting three fastest-in-class stage times on the Finland round of the world championship. The 26-year old set her first fastest time in the Fiesta Sporting Trophy category on the first day of the event last week. Day two brought a further pair of fastest times before her Ford Fiesta ST had an engine problem.

Drifting on ...

The Drifters (four-wheel style) will be on song at Manfeild today for the fourth round of the championship. Drift Corp drivers "Fanga" Dan Woolhouse and Gaz Whiter have a commanding lead in the title race.

Skipper Coppins

Josh Coppins will captain the New Zealand team for the Oceania test against Australia at Taupo on November 4-5. The MX1 team includes Cody Cooper, Luke Burkhart, Mason Phillips, Darryll King and Shayne King.

Kelly's a hero

Australian V8 Supercar driver Rick Kelly has been named in the top 50 eligible bachelors by Australian Cleo magazine. The 23-year-old HSV driver is named 16th on the list.