"We will keep it safe and not push it too hard. The aim will be to make it through the elimination rounds.
"If we get far enough that we are guaranteed the world title, then we can really go for it."
Minnell, who finished third in the last world series in 2009, has plenty of respect for the opposition, calling it, "The best field I've ever raced in."
"We've prepped the boat, gone over the engine and kicked the tyres, so we are fairly confident," added Minnell who reckons he will need a 46-second lap to win.
"Some of them may have more horsepower, but at least we've got the know-how on our home track."
Upper Hutt's Ray Ferguson lies second after last week's opener at the Tauherinikau track at Featherston, with dangerous Aussie Mullan third. Wanganui racers Rob Coley and Steve Bron fill the next two places with reigning world champ Peter Caughey, from Canterbury, seventh.
Back in eighth place in the Superboat contest is another Wanganui driver, Peter Huijs, who took an unplanned detour at Tauherenikau last Sunday, careering out of the water and over an island.
"Actually, we didn't tip the boat over completely. It bounced and landed back in the water and we completed the round and stayed in the competition," said Huijs.
"We were just a bit rattled."
Huijs is still working on the on the hull and dynamics of his boat but was fairly pleased with his effort at Featherston.
Reigning NZ champ and world series runner-up in 2009, Taupo's Reg Smith leads the group A category from Hamilton's Sam Newdick.
Australia's V8 Supercar driver Nathan Pretty is third with reigning world champ, Aussie Slade Stanley, fifth.
Also battling in the group A class is Shelterview owner Richard Murray but having finished ninth last week, he is ruing a missed opportunity.
"There was nothing wrong with boat, it was me. I was too relaxed going into elimination round and didn't push hard enough.
"There was only a second between first and ninth that round, but that was enough.
"Realistically, I'll have to concentrate on the New Zealand championship where we are third."
With the world series being sponsored by Wanganui council, trophies will be presented at a gala dinner tomorrow evening at the Wanganui War Memorial Hall.