KEY POINTS:
Porsche driver Daniel Gaunt will drive in New Zealand's 2009 Grand Prix race at Manfeild this weekend.
One of only two Grand Prix race events in the world that aren't contested by the Formula One series, Macau being the other, Gaunt's entry returns the 23-year-old driver to the open-wheel Toyota Racing Series he's won twice before.
Gaunt says the 100km race around the 3.03km Manfeild circuit on the outskirts of Manawatu's Feilding township is a coveted title won by many of the world's notable racing drivers.
"The Grand Prix is New Zealand's most prestigious trophy - basically it's the one everyone wants to win.
It was a group decision; I'm really keen to give it a crack. Obviously we've had some success in that series before - it's going to be tough doing both categories on the same weekend but we've got a bit of a plan to get around that," said Gaunt, who will also drive his regular Porsche 997. He is in third position in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge series.
"I am grateful for the support of Shane McKillen [VnC Cocktails] and Michael Morton as well [The Mad Butcher]. Michael has been driving the whole idea and is keen to get the Grand Prix for the team."
Under no illusions as to the challenge of getting fresh into a car he hasn't raced for over a season, Gaunt says past experience will be his key to success.
"Most of the drivers have done 15-16 days in the Toyota over the last few months so they are going to be sharp. I'd like to think after practice on the Thursday and Friday we'll be just as sharp."
