Motorsport: V8 drivers eager to test Taupo track

Caltex Ford Falcon team drivers Angus Fogg and Paul Pedersen are looking forward to a change of scenery at the revamped Taupo motor racing track this weekend.

This weekend's sixth round of the New Zealand V8 championship is the first race on the virtually all-new Taupo track that has been stretched out to 3.5km from 1.4km.

Fogg is eager to check out the track which now features an 830m straight and change in elevations.

"I like the look of the layout and what the track designers -- who worked with former Formula 1 driver Chris Amon -- have tried to do.

"From what I have seen, it is very much a driver's track, one which I think will reward those who are 'on' to their cars.

"If you know your car well and know how it reacts to changes you will go well, if you don't you won't, it is going to be as simple as that."

Kayne Scott continues to lead overall with 853 points, but there is little in it with John McIntyre in second place on 823, Fogg with 760 and Andy Booth with 741.

STANDINGS

Leading NZ V8 Standings after five rounds:
Kayne Scott (Holden Commodore) 853 points 1, John McIntyre (Ford Falcon) 823 2, Angus Fogg (Caltex Star Mart Ford Falcon) 760 3, Andy Booth (Holden Commodore) 741 4, Mark Pedersen (Ford Falcon) 668 5, Paul Pedersen (Caltex Havoline Ford Falcon) 610 6, Paul Manuell (Holden Commodore) 578 7, Luke Youlden (Ford Falcon) 513 8, Cameron McLean (Ford Falcon) 447 9, Dean Perkins (Ford Falcon) 385 10.

- NZPA