It came down to just two drivers to qualify for that one remaining position, David Branch who was already in sixth and Peter Hilliard who was in eighth. Despite beating David in the crucial Tairua Mobile Pace, Peter's lack of points from the race could not push him into a qualifying position.

Hayden Cullen took out the race ending the qualifying period with 61 points to sit well at the top of the North Island table. Simon Lawson, who won the most races with four wins, finished second with Zac Butcher in third. The final three competitors making their way down South are Anna Stormont, the only female to drive in the Championship, Joshua Dickie and David Branch.

In the South Island, only four positions had been secured with a further five drivers vying for a spot in the top six. Both Robert Butt and Nathan Williamson, the only two to have driven in the last two Championships, were level with 22 points, whilst Chris Butt sat with 21 points. All three required a points awarded placing to secure their spot, whilst Regan Todd had to come first or second. Sitting in fifth position, Brett Cusdin could still qualify without scoring any points, depending on the outcome of these four junior drivers.

And it was a huge upset in the Forbury Park race as Jordan Compain behind a $24.00 outsider, took out the race with Regan Todd following in second. The five points gained from his placing bumped him up into the top six whilst Chris, Robert and Nathan all finished in the bottom four, unable to capitalise on their previous wins and placings. Due to their finishes, Brett's 10th place and nil points did not impact on his chances of qualifying. In fact with three wins and a third, from only six starts, he qualifies with the highest UDR - 0.5556.

Dexter Dunn qualifies at the top of the South Island table with his six wins and a total of 65 points. In second is Tim Williams whose fourth placing on Friday night took him to 40 points. Shane Walkinshaw and Mitchell Kerr round out the top six heading into the Championship. Robert Butt, who finished in seventh position will be the emergency, should one of the Junior Drivers be unable to participate. At this stage Shane Walkinshaw is in doubt.

The 2009 Championship will be held over three races on Friday 17th July at Addington Raceway. All conditions can be viewed on the HRNZ website, whilst profiles and race details will be sent in the lead-up to the event.

Brooke HENDERSON