Pitstop: Challenge for Coppins

Josh Coppins is fighting his way back up the MotoGP ladder.

Kiwi MX1 rider Josh Coppins needs to perform well in round six of the world championships at Mallory Park in England this weekend. Still carrying a pre-season training injury, Coppins is desperate to close the 38-point gap to series leader David Philippaerts. Coppins needs to find more confidence and speed to start winning races if he wants to win the world title.

Holiday rally

Targa Rotorua is being held on Queen's Birthday weekend for the first time and the entry list is impressive with 116 Targa and 21 Narva Tour cars. Alongside some of the more exotic entries there will be BMWs, Mini Coopers, Hondas, Mitsubishis, Peugeots, Toyotas, Subarus and even names from a bygone era; Chrysler Valiant Charger, Fiat 125T, Ford Escort MK1, Hillman Avenger, MGB GT and Vauxhall Chevette to name a few. The race is held over 3000kms of closed stages today and Sunday.

Rossi back on track

MotoGP star and five-times world champion Valentino Rossi is back where he likes to be - leading the championship. He's at his home Grand Prix in Italy this weekend and his aspirations for a sixth title are back on track after an iffy start to the season. Last year's champion Casey Stoner has slumped to fourth on the table, 41 points behind Rossi, and needs to put his Ducati back on the podium if he's to successfully defend his title.

Grand Prix moves

Next year's New Zealand Grand Prix has been moved from being held in January to later in the year. The 35-lap race showcases New Zealand's most promising single-seater drivers and will now be held on the weekend of February 28-March 1. Manfeild has the hosting rights for the event for the next three years.

Rally heads for hills

The WRC heads for the hills of Greece for the Acropolis Rally this weekend. The eighth round of the championship is regarded as the toughest of the year and has a reputation as a car-breaker. The New Zealand PWRC team Rallyart with driver Juho Hanninen are in second place on the table and are hoping to bridge the four points to Jari Ketomaa. Mikko Hirvonen leads the main game from Sebastien Loeb and Chris Atkinson.

V8 utes

Round four of the inaugural NZ V8 UTES take place at Ruapuna this weekend. With only two rounds left after this weekend the top three comprising Mathew Lockwood, Simon Beirne and Mack Peach will be keen to break away from the chasing pack. Race one is today with a further two races on Sunday. Also racing are classics, single-seaters, sports saloons and open class motorbikes.