The 2018 Australia Supercars Championship driver’s title will go to one of two Kiwis after the final round in Newcastle this weekend. Shell V-Power Racing’s Scott McLaughlin has a narrow 14-point lead over Red Bull Holden Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen. Neither have faulted after 29 races this season, both have finished all races with van Gisbergen winning seven times and McLaughlin eight.

Many have waited for either one to make a major error which hasn’t occurred and with two 95 lap races remaining, it is likely that the smallest of mistakes may determine the ultimate outcome. This was McLaughlin’s experience last season, when a pit-lane speeding error ultimately lost him the title to Jamie Whincup. Now with another year’s experience, McLaughlin is unlikely to allow that to happen and the advantage is with him as the Newcastle street circuit appears to favour his Ford, more than the Holden.

Also on the line at the same event is the Dunlop Super2 Series, the feeder category to Supercars. Kiwi Chris Pither starts the finale with a narrow 32-point lead over the very experienced Paul Dumbrell with 300 points at stake.