Simon McLennan and M2 Motorsport

Wellington driver Simon McLennan heads to the South Island this weekend aiming to strengthen his currnent position of second place in the New Zealand Mini Challenge standings.

At Pukekohe Park Raceway two weeks ago McLennan moved up to within a handful of points behind leading driver Craig Innes after finishing third overall at the round.

Heading to round three of seven at the Powerbuilt Raceway Ruapuna this weekend McLennan sits just 29 points behind Craig Innes with third placed Gavin Yortt a further 24 behind him.

"I'm really looking forward to this weekend because I love the track at Ruapuna, we did some testing there when we bought the car although that is the only time I have driven on it." said McLennan.

"There are some fast sections as well as some very technical parts so it not only tests your level of commitment but being such a long track there is plenty of room for error."

"It's a cool track and I can't wait to get down there." he said.

An exciting weekend is sure to be had with these three drivers batting for the top spots on the championship table and some intense driving between these and the other drivers in the field can be expected.

This is Simon McLennan's rookie season in the New Zealand Mini Challenge which he is enjoying immensely and over the first two rounds has come to realise the amount of industry which is needed from the organisers to make such a great championship successful.

The number of Mini Coopers on the grid has dropped this season which is simply attributed to the economical climate and although that can offer opportunities for a rookie driver to be nearer the pointy end of the field, Simon McLennan would prefer to encourage some of the other cars back into the series.

"Well there is an upside for me with there not being so many cars on the track but I don't think that's the way any of the drivers want to run."

"From my point of view the class is so well organised and such a great class that there are people missing out and it would make it that much better for everybody to have those extra cars."

"It's just a shame that numbers are down this year. I know all of the drivers would love to see some more come into the series this season and I feel bad for the guys when they do such a good job at running it and I would love to see more entries in the future." he said.

The action at Powerbuilt Raceway Ruapuna starts this weekend with practice sessions on Friday, qualification Saturday morning with the first of three races in the afternoon.

Continuing on Sunday the second race takes place in the morning with the final one in the afternoon.

The championship takes a break over Christmas before the other two South Island rounds in Timaru and Invercargill are held mid January 2009.