Pitstop: V8s at Winton

Craig Lowndes. Photo / EDGE PHOTOGRAPHICS

The V8 Supercars boys are back in action at Winton this weekend for round nine of the championship. Home track advantage doesn't cut it anymore so look to last year's winners Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes (also first and second in the series) to be to the fore again. Fabian Coulthard is the best of the Kiwis in fifth.

Dixon chases Sonoma win

New Zealand IndyCar pilot Scott Dixon gets another chance this weekend at Sonoma to further close the gap on series leader Helio Castroneves after three wins in four races. Dixon picked up a win in 2007 and has been the second fastest in practice.

Stewart out with injuries

Nascar driver and three-time series champion Tony Stewart won't be seen behind the wheel of his Chevrolet again this year. The injuries he received in an August 5 crash - broken right tibia and fibula - have ruled out any chance of racing.

Formula Ford series on table

The NZRDL is to launch a new Formula Ford series that will combine modern and historic Formula Fords. For a number of years Formula Ford racing has declined at a national level, but with this new initiative the class should have larger fields.

Classic qualifying at IoM

Qualifying has been under way for a number of days at the inaugural Classic TT Races on the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course. Some of the finest names in motorcycling manufacturing history will be flying around the circuit. Nine-time IoM winner Kiwi Bruce Anstey will be racing a Ken McIntosh built and prepared Manx Norton.

Under the hood

For those interested in dipping a toe in motor racing waters, here's your chance. Tomorrow, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park is opening the track in the morning for a chance to drive your car around at normal road speed, and you can take the family. In the afternoon folk can go faster, as long as they have a helmet and overalls (no passengers if you don't have a roll-cage). The skidpan will be open all day so you can try getting out of control in a safe environment.