Nelson's Shane Harwood is happy to be the one to catch at the South Island event for the superstocks at the Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway on Saturday night. Photo supplied.

Shane Harwood happy to handle pressure of 1NZ

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Nelson’s national superstock champion Shane Harwood is adamant he’s still the same driver even after fulfilling his dream and putting the 1NZ on his car last season.

Shane will be the one to beat when the first of three rounds of the South Island series gets underway this weekend at the Milestone Homes Nelson Speedway.

“The focus is the same as it’s always been – get the car to the point where it is mechanically sound and then race hard,” Shane says.

“I don’t think much has changed besides the added pressure that gets put on once you have the 1NZ on your car.”

Shane says after achieving his national goal after 10 years of trying, his goals remain as grounded as ever.

“It changes your mindset but we all still try to do the basics right.

“We want a good team in the garage and a reliable and well presented car while looking after our sponsors who make it all possible.”

Shane says the weather may play a key role in the opening round.

“Last year I had a lot of success moving through the field and staying out of trouble but the weather may cause a problem.”

The three race series, will have one event in Christchurch before returning to Nelson for the final round on February 11.