2006/2007 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP UNDERWAY

The New Zealand Formula First Championship gets underway at Taupo this weekend.

A strong entry list of 22 competitors providing an excellent field for the first round.

Michael Shepherd is back to defend his title for another year, but competition will be tough with many new and quick drivers entering the fray.

Others returning for another crack at the title include one of last years top stars, Caine Lobb. Lobb is again campaigning the Dennis Martin run Sabre car he used in 2005/2006 - and with a season now under his belt, can be expected to be a real threat for the title. Selby Allison intends to run the full season in his super-quick Alvee and other class stalwarts such as Ian Foster, Bryan McConkey and Simon Hardy are back for another season.

The entry list for the weekend;

Car Number / Driver

1 / Michael Shepherd 6 / Ian Foster 7 / Dom Kalasih 12 / Darren Henderson 17 / Stefan Webling 18 / Matthew Stubbs 19 / Chad Ace 20 / Jamie McNee 21 / Zayne Martin 33 / Dave Scammell 36 / Caine Lobb 42 / Selby Allison 46 / David Ruthven 47 / Simon Hardy 48 / Alan Dunkley 54 / Scott Fountain 56 / Peter Domett 61 / Robin Bennett 69 / Alastair Wooten 71 / Bryan McConkey 79 / Phil Abel 99 / Bradley McDonald

This round will see no less than 8 drivers make their first National Championship start. Many of the new drivers have competed during the non-championship winter series events and have aquitted themselves very well.

Amongst the rookies are three drivers who have proven themselves to be very quick. Bradley McDonald, Jamie McNee and Speedsport Scholarship Winner Alastair Wooten have all performed very well throughout the winter series with McNee and McDonald taking their first wins.

What?: First round of the New Zealand Formula First Championship

Where?: Taupo

When?: This weekend. Practice on Friday, Qualifying and one race on Saturday, two races on Sunday.