Motorsport: Rival V8 factions racing together in peace move

Jason Bargwanna. Photo / Getty Images

The first round of the national V8 championships is on the same dance card at this weekend's Waikato 400 at Hampton Downs as the second round of the NZ SuperTourers endurance series within a series.

In a move to reconcile the long-running stoush between V8 racing factions in New Zealand, the two classes are competing at the same event.

The SuperTourers have a plethora of Aussie V8 stars, but the race for the New Zealand national title also has a fair few quality drivers.

Two-time national champion and Bathurst 1000 winner Jason Bargwanna is back in the Richards Team Motorsport Toyota Camry, and will be keen to get one back over last year's title winner Nick Ross.

The pair had a season-long battle, and Ross emerged victorious only in the last round.

Ross is taking a bit of a gamble for the new season, replacing his title-winning Holden for a new Nissan Altima built by Concept Racing.

He has been watching the Kelly Brothers Racing Nissans in the V8 Supercars championship.

He is confident the car will go well, and thinks it's good to have another manufacturer in the category.