The 2006 national offshore powerboat title can be won by only two racers, Richard Shores in Placemakers and Peter Turner in Sleepyhead, both multiple title-holders.
Shores' 32ft Douglas Skater has the slight speed advantage and, given the flat conditions expected for the last round on Tauranga Harbour today, he shouldcarry on to a sixth championship.
Provided the motors don't give mechanical trouble, as has been the case in the last two rounds.
In Rotorua, Placemakers' gearbox started slipping and Shores and co-driver Wayne Carson limped the boat home in fourth.
In Auckland, they blew an oil hose and had to stop, repair the leak and refill the oil, as Sleepyhead roared past to claim the lead they had held.
After seven rounds, 56 points separate the two boats.
With 475 on offer for first, 375 for second and 300 for third, the title will go to the higher finisher.
"We think we've got the speed on them. We're definitely better at cornering, and Tauranga has lots of corners," said Placemakers team spokesman Peter Rolton.
"If it's flat, it's also to our advantage. They go better in the rough."
In the Superboat Light class, Auckland brothers Warren and Scott Lewis need only beat Wellington's Grant Smith to claim the title. The Lewis' 32ft catamaran holds a 75-point lead, although smooth conditions may favour Smith's lighter 28ft hull.
Tim Fellows, from Otaki, is in range of taking the National A Class after leader Chindit failed to finish the last two rounds.
Mike Cameron has an unassailable lead in the Classic 60-mile Class.
Racing begins at noon today, with best viewing from the Tauranga Yacht and Boating Club.
THE CONTENDERS
Richard Shores
Placemakers
Age 44, from Auckland
32 career wins, five national titles, one world championship win
32ft Douglas Skater, powered by two 372cu in Buick engines
1300HP, top speed 120mph
Peter Turner
Sleepyhead
Age 44, from Auckland
29 career wins, four national titles, two transtasman titles
34ft Phantom, powered by two Mercury 525 EFI engines
