Auret and Biggs on the Stampede to the title

Hamish Auret and co-driver Paul Barnes need to win at their home course while hoping Auckland's Scott Biggs is off his game in Turakina tomorrow.

Whanganui's defending national champion Hamish Auret and his Auckland rival Scott Biggs will finish the 2017-18 season the best way possible; side-by-side in Turakina tomorrow.

Wanganui 4WD club is hosting the sixth and final round of the National 4x4 Trials, as a large field of drivers in D-Class and C-Class trucks will tackle 32 hazards, trying to avoid penalty points to finish the day with the lowest score.

"We've pegged out a few tough ones because it is a national final," said Auret yesterday when asked to compare the course with the previous five rounds.

"A few tough ones to sort out the men from the boys."

Current points leader Biggs, a three-time series runnerup, is desperate to get the hoodoo off his back and finally win a national title, and will do so if he finishes in sixth place or higher, even if Auret wins the round.

And they have been drawn together in the rotation order for the afternoon session, meaning that instead of being at different parts of the course, Biggs will follow Auret to do the same hazard right after him, which somewhat increases the pressure as they will know where they stand immediately.

"It's good, it's an even playing field," said Auret.

"I know all we can do is do our bit and trying to win the day, then it depends on where Biggs is."

The club has been busy promoting the 4x4 Stampede this week by offering complimentary tickets to local schoolchildren, while Carlton School won a competition draw for Auret to visit them with his Chev 6-litre truck.

"Just trying to get all the kids involved, it's a good family day."

The 4x4 Stampede starts at 8.30am on Glencairn Rd in Turakina.

Tickets at gate are $20 for a family pass, adults $10, children $5 and under 5's free.

The season's prizegiving is being held in the evening at Whanganui Girls College.