Defending V8 Supercar Champion, Russell Ingall (Caltex Racing), takes the smallest of leads into the third round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at Perth's Barbagallo Raceway this weekend.

Ingall's one-point lead over Rick Kelly will be put to the test in the three-race format that will once again feature a reverse-grid race.

In what was his best round since winning at Sydney's Oran Park in August, the Enforcer's third place in New Zealand has him starting to hit top form once again.

Unlike the previous race at Pukekohe Park Raceway, where barriers sit just centimetres from the majority of the track, Barbagallo has plenty of run-off and numerous sand traps.

"The first round in Adelaide was not too crash hot but since our productive test just before NZ we have started to turn the corner," said Ingall.

"I'm feeling very positive going to Perth. We were runner up there last year, winning the third race and James Courtney's test in the Jeld-Wen car last week shows that we have the speed now to run at the front.

"Keeping on the track and out of the sand traps will be a priority, especially in the reverse-grid race on Sunday morning.

"We will just have to be patient and let the race come to us. Going all out on lap one has already shown plenty of drivers that you will only end up in trouble."

Another Ford driver enjoying a solid start to the year is First Rock Home Mortgage Racing's Steven Johnson.

Sitting fifth in the championship, Johnson has been heading to the front without too much fanfare.

"Our race pace has been pretty good this year, we just need to get a little further in front during qualifying," said Johnson.

"I don't really mind that we have not drawn too much attention. However, that could change with another good result in Perth.

"With the contrasting fortunes of drivers between Adelaide and New Zealand, it's a good feeling to be amongst the few that have had a solid start.

"The good thing is that we know we can improve and that has us excited going into Perth.

"Although it's early days, having a strong start to the season is important. It's better to be here just 65-points out of the lead at this stage of the season."

Teams hit the track for a two-hour practice session on Friday afternoon. Saturday's action includes qualifying and a top-10 shootout. The first 50-lap race starts at 3pm on Saturday. Sunday's reverse-grid race starts at 10am with the final 58-lap race of the weekend set down for 1.30pm.

come on rusty! and ford

i be watchign it here at home with beers in hand!

will be boozing it up in a corp tent thanx to exide batterys.

looks like be a good one for sure.

Barg's is a s**t track to watch racing at, as most of the action happens at the back of the track!dont get me wrong its great to drive on!

aggreed!

great fun on a bike too!

cant wait to take the bike there!