Whanganui driver Hamish Auret as snatched the points lead in the Porter Group 4x4 National Trial series after a strong third round in the forests of Okoroire in South Waikato on Saturday.
At the halfway point of the six round series, Auret's Corvette-powered truck finished third in the Class D super modified trucks and third overall after conceeding 395.8 penalty points, following Opunake's Rowan Huckstep (338.66) and Waikato 4x4 club president Greg McDell (348.46).
Most importantly, series leader Scott Biggs of Auckland had a tough morning session and dropped off the pace, finishing seventh in Class D.
"He was 11th overall, so for the standings, that puts us back in the lead," said Auret.
However, the points could swing as Biggs may drop the result of this round from his final tally if it is his worst performance, which could give him back the lead as Auret finished sixth overall at the previous round at Waihi Beach in December.