The Shootout races are a combination of speed and tactics and are often won or lost on the start line.
The driver who draws pole position has the option of trying to turn the outside car into or up the wall, while the outside car may look to force the pole-sitter onto the infield, then make his escape.
Even after the start, the driver who gets away second may choose to wait and try to stop the lead car from reaching the finish line.
A good field of drivers is expected to contest the Shootout, although many will have to first survive the Robin Pratt Memorial Trophy at Palmerston North tonight.
Among the out-of-town drivers expected are Palmerston North competitors Taylor Lampp, who always performs well at Oceanview, and young hotshot Kyle Rowe.
But just as Palmerston North drivers always take pride in a local car winning the Robin Pratt Memorial, the Wanganui Stockcar crew will do whatever they have to in order to claim victory.