KEY POINTS:
New Zealand V8 drivers will be hit in the pocket as well as the bodywork if they get out of line during the national championship that starts at Pukekohe today.
Fines of up to $10,000 are available in a revamped disciplinary code aimed at keeping competition fierce but
fair in a class that involves several big- budget teams.
A breach of the code of driving conduct will cost $1000, dangerous driving will incur a $3000 fine - and persistent offenders can be docked an additional $5000.
The extreme $10,000 penalty is at the discretion of the stewards. But drivers can halve their penalties if they admit their fault without a disciplinary hearing - a concession adapted from rules in the Australian V8 Supercar series.
Policing of driving conduct will be helped by the installation of cameras in all 29 competing cars.
With one race today and two tomorrow, including a controversial full reverse grid tomorrow afternoon, the new regime will get a thorough workout at the first meeting for the major national classes.
Among the questions to be answered:
* With three Australians, David Besnard, Cameron McLean and Luke Youlden in the field, will there be a danger of the New Zealand V8 title crossing the Tasman?
* How competitive will former British Nascar driver Shaun Richardson be in the Holden formerly owned by Team Kiwi?
* Will having his own team take the edge off John McIntyre's season after his front-running performances last year?
* How long before some technical controversy affects the results on the track?
* Can talented Auckland teenager Shane Van Gisbergen continue the success he had in Formula Fords now he has moved up to the Toyota class? Ditto Wanganui's Earl Bamber, fresh from winning the Asian Formula BMW title?
* How good are Australian Lucas Dumbrell and Texan Michael Johnson, who take on champion Daniel Gaunt and the rest of the locals in the Toyota class?
* Will this be Kenny Smith's farewell now he's turned 65 and heads into his 50th year at the wheel?
* Can the new Mini Cooper class rekindle the excitement that always built during the "swarm of bees" Mini racing of the 1980s and 90s?
* Will Aussie-based German Peter Scharmach's Mini Cooper be quicker than the local version?
* Who will have bragging rights when the Big Three of Porsche GT-3 racing, Craig Baird, Matt Halliday and Fabian Coulthard, have battled through three races? Or will Aussie Alex Davison spoil the party?
* Who's next off the talent production line from the Formula Ford class?
* Wil this be the last time these classes race at Pukekohe before the authorities act to reduce speeds?
