Pitstop: Top Kiwis home for MX1 Nats

Taupo's Ben Townley will face off with fellow Kiwi competitors on the world stage - in Patetonga. Photo / Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

Round two of the New Zealand senior motocross nationals hits the dirt at Patetonga, north of Morrinsville, tomorrow. The lineup of riders in the MX1 class is top notch with internationals such as Ben Townley, Josh Coppins and Cody Cooper battling it out. Townley leads the title chase from Coppins and Justin McDonald.

Halliday happy

Former A1GP Team New Zealand driver and accomplished Porsche pilot Matt Halliday is tempted by thought of getting involved in the new V8 SuperTourer series. He was back in New Zealand recently testing the car and was, on first impressions, keen for more involvement. In the meantime, expect to see Halliday driving in the V8 Supercars long-distance rounds.

Vlok in F3 race

Hot off the back of the Toyota Racing Series, Chris Vlok has confirmed he'll compete in the opening round of the Australian F3 championship in Adelaide as part of the Clipsal 500 weekend. If he can secure more funding he may look to compete in further rounds.

Young gun goes for it

Team Kiwi Racing is back racing in Australia this weekend in the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup with young gun Andre Heimgartner. The Weekend Herald spoke to the 16-year-old's dad in Adelaide who confirmed Andre would be on the grid. At the time of going to press, Heimgartner was seventh fastest in practice.

Gilmour in rally

Former world No 1-ranked woman rally driver Emma Gilmour has confirmed she's contesting this year's New Zealand Rally Championship. However, Gilmour will have a new co-driver in Australian Anthony McLoughin. Her regular co-driver Glenn MacNeall is joining Indian Gaurav Gill in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship.

Under the hood

The IndyCar series gets under way later this month, in St Petersburg, March 25, with the drivers in an all-new car.

Just to recap, Dallara has designed a new chassis that allows teams to place their own separate bodywork on the car, commonly called aero kits. These will be made up of individual engine cowlings, front and rear wings and side pods.

Probably the biggest change is in engine choice.

Previously all cars used a Honda V8 but now have to use a V6 turbocharged power plant running on E85 fuel. The cars will develop between 430-520kW (550-700bhp) and will only be allowed to rev to 12,000 rpm. Push-to-pass will remain a feature allowing drivers access to an extra 75kW as opposed to an extra 15kW in the past.