KEY POINTS:
For the first time in 21 years, the Lady Wigram Trophy will again be contested by the big, booming 5-litre stock-block V8-engined formula cars this weekend at Ruapuna. Kenny Smith, 66, in his 51st season of racing, leads the championship and is favourite to win his third Lady Wigram.
Hulme CanAm on show
A1GP race fans will be able set their eyes on, for the first in New Zealand, the Hulme CanAm. It will be the car's first public showing, and demonstration run, and will take place at the Taupo track at 11am on Friday. The car will then be on display throughout the rest of the weekend. In honour of Denny Hulme's F1 World Championship in 1967, and his CanAm series victories in 1968 and 1970, the car takes its cues from current F1 and sports racing car technology.
Stanaway off to Oz?
On-the-pace Formula Ford driver, 16-year-old Richie Stanaway, has his sights set on crossing the ditch. There are plans afoot for him to compete in the 2009 Australian Formula Ford championship for Team BRM. He will be looking to extend his unbeaten run at Teretonga this weekend.
V8 limit set at 30 cars
The Australian V8 Supercar Championship this season will have a maximum of 30 cars on the grid. The No 24 licence, not used during the 2008 season, is likely to be sold to Walkinshaw Racing. It has been reported that former Carrera Cup winner David Reynolds will drive a Holden as part of an HSV Dealer Team Holden outfit.
Villeneuve to drive V8?
Unconfirmed rumours abound hinting former Formula One driver and 1997 champion, Jacques Villeneuve, is in V8 team owner Paul Morris' sights. Whether the open-wheel exponent can make the transition to the big taxis may be debatable.
Patrick passes the buck
IndyCar driver Danica Patrick is pointing the finger at her Andretti Green Racing team as the cause of her recent lack of on-track success. With only three top-five finishes in 18 races, the little firecracker strongly suggests her team didn't "have the goods". This coming from the girl, who some have said, drove so slowly during her maiden win in Japan that she didn't use up enough fuel to warrant a last pit stop, as with all the other drivers.
