Going into the sixth and final round in the Manawatu and Taihape districts, Tauranga's David Holder is sitting second behind NZRC winners Richard and Sara Mason, whose points tally handed them the title after the fourth round in June.
In his first season in a 4WD, Holder has posted an impressive four consecutive podium finishes, despite a number of niggling issues, such as unexpected co-driver illness.
For the Daybreaker, his learning curve turns sharply with John Kennard co-driving for him tomorrow.
Taking a break between his World Rally Championship duties with Hayden Paddon - who acts as Holder's mentor - Kennard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that Holder is looking to make the most of.
The event will offer up challenges, starting from Palmerston North at 4am, with the first two stages completed in darkness.
Holder said he was aiming to be at the top of the six-driver battle for the championship runner-up honours 12 hours and close to 200km of special stages later.
''To be totally honest, I'm a little nervous about it. The first time John and I will sit together will be in the dark and there is plenty to play for. But they don't get much better than John and having the opportunity to learn from him is exciting and no doubt will be beneficial moving forwards.''
Nelson's Ben Hunt is only three points adrift of Holder and has the confidence boost of having won his first national championship round at the Daybreaker Rally last year.
Punctures and minor issues have dogged his campaign so far this season, but when he has been on song he has shown he is competitive.
Canterbury Subaru driver Matt Summerfield is a further 16 points in arrears, while Te Aroha's Lance Williams, Graham Featherstone and Tauranga's Phil Campbell are further back but still within reach of the championship podium if those in front stumble on the Manawatu stages.
