National rally championship leader Dean Sumner of Rotorua has had some valuable tips from fellow Mitsubishi driver Hayden Paddon leading into this weekend's penultimate round in Nelson.
"He's been helping us out hugely with advice and car set-up."
Paddon won last year's Rally Nelson and the overall title for the second year running in the same model Evo 9 as Sumner is driving.
The talented Geraldine youngster can not be considered a rival, however, as he is competing on German tarmac in the World Rally Championship this weekend.
Sumner (31) will be under pressure from Emma Gilmour, who is two points behind, after his 19-point lead was whittled down by a "bad last rally" in Whangarei, where he had diff sensor issues and punctures.
To gain some advantage he has fully rebuilt the car to the point where it is "mechanically brand new".
Being seeded first should also work in his favour and he hoped the only obstacles on the notoriously rocky, forestry roads would be the ones his Mitsubishi dragged out for his fellow competitors to avoid, he said.
Gilmour is battle-ready. Although Nelson is not a rough rally compared with some of the overseas events she has contested, she regards it as the roughest in her home championship.
"Rocks are the particular challenge. If you are not spot-on in terms of writing your pace notes and driving to them then it is all too easy to cop a puncture."
Third seed Chris West is certainly wanting to avoid a blow-out, after tyre troubles late in the proceedings destroyed his chances at both Rally Whangarei and the earlier Rally Otago.
Richard Mason could also shake up the results if he can find the right set-up for his Impreza hatchback, and fellow Subaru driver and local favourite Kieran Hall will be hoping his area knowledge gives him an edge.
In the Open 4WD class, Kaiapoi's Marcus van Klink holds a six-point lead over last year's winner, Geof Argyle.
Evenly matched Fiesta drivers Stephen Barker and Ben Hunt promise another fierce battle as they lock horns for class honours, whereas sole Kiwi 2 driver Matt Summerfield simply needs to stay on the road for two days to win the trophy for the second year.
If Regan Ross can do the same in his Ford Escort in the Historic Challenge and remain in front of Ron Davey, he will have a solid points lead going into the final round in Wairarapa next month.
