Play nzherald.co.nz's rugby Pick the Score competition - go to: pickthescore.nzherald.co.nz
KEY POINTS:
New Zealand has the privilege of holding the first Grand Prix on the international motorsport calendar for 2009 at Manfeild, near Feilding, 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, the New Zealand Grand Prix is part of the Toyota Racing Series. Along with the Lady Wigram Trophy, the NZGP is one of the big prizes in the TRS class.
Runaway series leader Mitch Cunningham may not have it all his own way at Manfeild, as two-time TRS winner Daniel Gaunt is having another tilt at the NZGP title. He won it in 2007 at Teretonga but lost to Andy Knight last year when the race returned to Manfeild.
"The Grand Prix is New Zealand's most prestigious trophy - basically it's the one everyone wants to win. It has the most history and one of the hardest races I've ever done before," said Gaunt.
Having not driven a TRS car for nearly a year, Gaunt knows he has his work cut out as the rest of the field already have four rounds under their belts.
"In a one-make series you're never going to walk away with it but I'd like to think we'll be on the money and have as good a shot as anyone at the Grand Prix," said Gaunt.
Earl Bamber may also be back to put the frighteners on regular TRS drivers. The NZGP is unfinished business for Bamber. Last year he won the international trophy. While battling it out in the GP race, he pushed a little too hard and finished fifth.