Matthew Williamson has some unfinished business going into the Australasian young drivers' championship in New South Wales next week.
But first he has to negotiate his way around some unfamiliar tracks.
''I haven't even driven in Australia,'' Williamson said.
''I watch a bit, but I wouldn't know the form. When I get over there, what they're paying will be the best representation of how they go.
''Williamson (22) is appearing in the series for only the second time, and he would rather forget his first. Williamson was comfortably leading the 2011 edition, held around Canterbury tracks, until his lead disappeared when Maori Invasion was disqualified from second in the penultimate heat at Ashburton. Josh Dickie snatched the win in the final heat while Williamson's charge finished seventh.
''Hopefully, I'll make amends for that this year.''
The championship features representatives from each Australian state, along with a North Island and South Island representative, as well as a third New Zealand driver. Dickie secured the third spot when he travelled to Forbury Park earlier this month and won the last qualifying heat. Zac Butcher represents the North Island and Oamaru-based Williamson is the southern driver after waltzing away from his rivals over the qualifying series.
The championship will take the drivers around four different tracks, which range in size from 800m at Bathurst and Penrith, 1050m at Goulburn and the much roomier 1400m track at Menangle where three heats are held, including the last heat on Interdominion final day on March 3 when seven group 1 races are held. Williamson is particularly looking forward to that last day at Menangle.
''Driving there is going to be awesome, but just being there is going to be good, watching the horses that are on display,'' Williamson said.
This season is Williamson's last in the junior driver ranks, so he wants to end on a high with the Australasian title, although he knows from his 2011 experience that knowledge of his drives is hard to beat.
''The New South Wales ones are at a definite advantage like we were over here with the form. They know the horses and what horses can do what.''
As much as Williamson would like to win the championship himself, he would settle for a win from Butcher or - begrudgingly - Dickie.
''If any of us get the drives, hopefully one of us can win,'' Williamson said.
''We've probably driven more horses [in their careers] than most of them as well.''
Young Drivers
NZ representatives:
• Matthew Williamson (South Island)
• Zac Butcher (North Island)
• Josh Dickie (New Zealand)
HEATS:
• Goulburn, February 25 (two heats)
• Menangle, February 26 (two heats)
• Bathurst, February 27 (two heats)
• Penrith, February 28 (two heats)
• Menangle, March 3 (one heat)
