Pitstop: 35 cars for Melbourne

The final round of the MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series hits the streets of Melbourne's Albert Park this weekend as a support race to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix. Only six points separate Steve Ross from defending champion Kenny Smith. Another former series winner Ian Clements is third. A field of 35 cars is expected to line up for the title-deciding races today and tomorrow.

Supercar champs round

The same F1 Grand Prix event in Melbourne will also be a non-points scoring round of the Australian V8 Supercar championships. While the winner won't affect the points table, he will be able to claim victory over the weekend, as there are three races each worth 100 points. Best of the Kiwis is Shane van Gisbergen in the Stone Brothers Racing Ford, fourth in series with next best, Jason Richards, way back in 17th.

Dixon hopeful in Florida

Kiwi IndyCar driver Scott Dixon is looking for a better result at this weekend's second round of the IRL championship. After being caught up in an opening lap accident Dixon battled back through the field to finish sixth in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The series is back on home soil at Saint Petersburg in Florida. The street course will suit Dixon, who has now started in the top-10 for the 33rd consecutive time.

Govt rally injection

The Government's Major Events Development Fund has decided to contribute $250,000 to Rally New Zealand in an effort to cement the Kiwi round in the WRC calendar.

Stoner turns tables

Aussie MotoGP rider Casey Stoner turned the tables on seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi by ending the final practice in Qatar fastest. Rossi had been the quickest in all previous test sessions.