KEY POINTS:
Sixty-three entries have been confirmed for the international motor Rally of Whangarei from June 6-8.
The event is part of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), which has attracted top drivers from Australia, Japan, New Caledonia, Indonesia and India.
It sets up a classic Australia v New Zealand battle, with leading New Zealand drivers such as Richard Mason, Hayden Paddon and Chris West in the mix.
Top seed is Australian Cody Crocker (Team Subaru), who is aiming for the third consecutive title.
However, he is third on the 2008 points table.
Australian Dean Herridge, who had consistent results in the first two rounds in New Caledonia and Canberra to overtake Japan's Katsuhiko Taguchi and his Australian co-driver Mark Stacey, leads the competition.
Taguchi's MRF Tyres teammates include Australian Scott Pedder and India's Gaurav Gill, who has another Australian co-driver Glenn Macneall.
Three French drivers add to the international flavour - the vastly-experienced Jean-Louis Leyraud and Patrick Christian among them.
APRC standings
Dean Herridge (Australia) 21 points 1, Katsu Taguchi (Japan) 18 2, Cody Crocker (Australia) 16 3, Brian Green (New Zealand) 11 4, Hiroshi Yanagisawa (Japan) 6 5
New Zealand Rally Championship
R Mason (Masterton) 129 points 1, H Paddon (Geraldine) 100 2, S Taylor (Hastings) 95 3, C West (Christchurd) 76 4, B Martin (Masterton) 67 5.
- NZPA
