Back from a mid-winter break, the series shifts gear as it arrives in Taupo for the first time and with an endurance race programme.

Adding to the firsts, for a number of the drivers it will be their first time around the circuit in a V8 race car.

TAUPO - FRIDAY 31 AUGUST 2012
15:00 V8ST/V8CC Assemble on Tongariro Domain Taupo City
17:45 V8ST/V8CC Cars drive to Tuwharetoa Street Taupo City
18:00 40 mins V8 SuperTourers Driver Signing Session Taupo City

TAUPO - SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2012
09:00 30 mins V8 Challenge Cup Practice – Session 1
09:35 40 mins Drifting "ST Shakedown" On Track
10:20 60 mins V8 SuperTourers (either driver) Practice – Session 1
11:25 30 mins V8 Challenge Cup Practice – Session 2
11:55 30 mins LUNCH BREAK
12:30 60 mins V8 SuperTourers (either driver) Practice – Session 2
13:35 30 mins V8 Challenge Cup Qualifying
14:10 40 mins Drifting "ST Shakedown" On Track
15:00 20 mins V8 SuperTourers (Co- Driver) Qualifying
15:25 10 mins Drifting "ST Shakedown" On Track
15:40 20 mins V8 SuperTourers (Driver) Qualifying
16:10 Race 1 V8 Challenge Cup 8 Laps
16.30 20 mins V8 SuperTourers Hot Lap Rides On Track

TAUPO - SUNDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2012
09:10 Race 2 V8 Challenge Cup 8 Laps
9:30 40 mins V8 SuperTourers Hot Lap Rides On track
10:15 20 mins Drifting "ST Shakedown" On track
10:15 20 mins V8 SuperTourers Driver Signing
10:40 Race 3 V8 Challenge Cup 10 laps
11:25 1 hour 45 V8 SuperTourers Race One 60 laps
13:10 30 mins LUNCH BREAK
13:15 20 mins V8 SuperTourers Pit Walk, refuel, car check Pit Lane
13:15 15 mins Drifting "ST Shakedown" On track
13:45 1 hour 45 V8 SuperTourers Race Two 60 Laps
15:40 V8 SuperTourers Podium Presentation

Evolving from a simple philosophy of using the best components and the best V8 designers, engineers and builders, a new generation of future-proofed V8 touring car has been created.

There is now huge interest in both car and drivers for the inaugural season. Drawn by the 550 horsepower available, a number of current V8Supercar drivers are skipping the Tasman to be part of the championship. Names such as Greg Murphy, Craig Baird, John McIntyre, Kayne Scott, Andy Booth, Paul Manuell and ten more are set to be on the grid for the first round. With all vying for the top spot in a field brimming with champions and more than 100 national motorsport titles, it's going to be a hard-fought battle for supremacy.

In the heat of action the car gives a spine tingling ring of performance. Multiply that by 16 cars and the result will be captivating. You can stay up-to-date with thelive resultsand television from the website, orshout yourself ticketsfor the opportunity to be there in person. The countdown to the Series of Champions is on.