Motorsport: Champs down to three

Todd Kelly had the fastest time during the first practice session at the ITM 400 in Hamilton. Photo / Getty Images

It's not only the very big boys of V8 racing who will be appearing at Hamilton this weekend. New Zealand's own BNT V8s championship will be decided over the two days.

After six rounds, the race for the title has distilled down to a battle between championship leader Angus Fogg with Craig Baird and John McIntyre hot on his tail.

A mere 44 points separate the drivers and, with 225 points up for grabs, it could be anyone's title heading to the first race today.

Defending champion Baird has the experience and is master tactician to play a crafty race strategy to sneak the title, while McIntyre has won six races to Fogg's three.

Up until a few weeks ago Kayne Scott was right in the mix, just seven points behind Fogg, but his team has been stripped of all their points this season for a technical infringement. He'll be the cat among the pigeons, as he has nothing to lose.

"We have done a massive amount of work on all areas of the car after Taupo and are confident of a very strong showing at Hamilton," he said.

"Obviously the very nature of a street race throws in a few more challenges and having three grid races [no reverse] means you will have to be racing at the front in all three. I fully expect the competition to be tough.

"Obviously Baird and other fast guys like Scott, Edgell and Knight are all racing for a win."