COUNTY Durham driver Robert Lawson heads to his home circuit of Croft with his lead in the 2008 SEAT Cupra Championship still intact.

The Darlington-born newcomer, who drives for the Bardon/JHR team, has been the man to beat this season, finishing three races so far as winner and only scoring outside of the top three once in the championship which plays support to the British Touring Car series.

With local support and a track he is very familiar with, Croft next weekend may well be his opportunity to increase his lead as racing reaches the halfway point of the season.

However, at Thruxton last time out, Jonathan Adam (Total Control Racing) looks to be in resurgent form, while Daniel Welch (Marriott/Welch Motorsport) also put in another quick display.

Martin Byford (AB Glass/Z Speed Racing) and Carl Breeze (Blue Chip/Welch Motorsport) are Lawson's closest rivals in the Championship and have proven to be consistent throughout.

While their qualifying at Thruxton and some poor luck on Breeze's part during the races didn't help them close the gap, the technically difficult Croft circuit and their inherent pace are bound to play a part.

Lawson's JHR team-mate Andrew Herron (Brian Herron Plant/JHR) is also finding form, meaning Lawson will have challenges from all directions.

In fact, as drivers and teams all keep learning more about their cars, the pace throughout the grid has steadily increased.

"There's nothing better than coming to your home circuit leading the Championship," said Lawson. "I should hopefully have plenty of support from friends, family and sponsors there and will want to do well for them."

The 2008 SEAT Cupra Championship gets its first taste of the 2.1 mile Croft circuit on Friday, May 30 with two 40-minute test sessions starting at 9.15am and 12.55pm. Qualifying takes place on Saturday, with two 20-minute sessions starting at 10.20am and 2.45pm, with two 14-lap races on Sunday, beginning at 12.40pm and 5.15pm.