This weekend the two leading drivers in the New Zealand Mini Challenge head to Pukekohe for what can be expected to be an exciting conclusion to the season.

With the lead in the championship swapping twice between Taupo's Craig Innes and Wellington rookie Simon McLennan it will be Innes who goes to Pukekohe with the point advantage.

And it is quite an advantage with Innes 1101 points to 985 but this has only led to McLennan being able to sit back and relax before the final battle commences.

"Craig is the sort of driver who can have a very consistent weekend but he has everything to lose and I have everything to gain." he said.

The sizable gap between the two has McLennan realising that the chances of winning the championship at the weekend are slim and he aims to go out on a high hopefully with a podium or even another round win.

There are a maximum of 225 points up for grabs from the three races at the weekend.

"I'm quite relaxed going into it - it's a weird feeling, I would like to be in a closer position to be able to fight for the championship but I'm not and it's not really playing on my mind so much."

"We are just going to run our own race and hopefully win a race or two and end the season on a high this weekend." said McLennan.

Going to Pukekohe for the final is welcomed by McLennan as it will be the first circuit this season where he has competed in the New World Metro on Willis Mini Cooper S beforehand.

The NZ Mini Challenge and the other classes in Motorsport New Zealand's Tier One series went to Pukekohe in November last year for round two.

Originally scheduled to have the final at the brand new Hampton Downs circuit, problematic weather caused a delay in development of the venue and this final round was rescheduled for Pukekohe.

"Going back to a track that I am already familiar with is going to help and it's a really cool track too." said McLennan.

Both McLennan and the M2 Motorsport Team expect to be strong this weekend with the help of Al Manila, Dean Williams, Colin McLennan and, prior to the weekend while the car was still in Wellington, Sheldon Currington from Motorsport Developments.

"We're going to have a good car this weekend with dad, Dean and even Al from Wilford Motorsport there - when the car was in Wellington it was being bounced between Sheldon and Al so it should be quick at Pukekohe - everyone has helped immensely and I'm just very grateful."

"We finished third at Pukekohe last time and it was an exciting weekend for me but I didn't think the car was all that fast then - I'm quietly confident that the car will be more competitive this time around." he said.

The NZ Mini Challenge have two practice sessions on Friday 13th March at Pukekohe Park Raceway with qualification on Saturday morning followed by the first race that afternoon.

On Sunday the 15th they will have race two in the morning followed by a reverse grid final race for the season in the afternoon.

Media : Iain Whitaker