This weekend 25 Western Bay of Plenty principals will hit the race track in the second SunLive Principals' Challenge – and to get a taste of what they are in for I went along for a ride.

SunLive reporter Luke Balvert takes a ministock for a test run.

Given the opportunity to get behind the wheel I jumped at the chance despite not clearly thinking about the size difference between myself and a teenager who these ministocks are primarily used for.

Stuffed into a snug flameproof suit, gloves, balaclava and helmet, I wedged into the seat before being helped into the safety harness by ASB Baypark Speedway manager Roger Bailey and 1NZ driver Rodney Wood – the pair enthusiastically tugging on the straps I might add.

But with my foot to the floor the Datsun 1200 engine roared as the car made its way round the track without a hitch under the watchful eye of Roger, Rodney and event coordinator Leona Smith.

The Principals' Challenge is being contested by 25 Tauranga principals including five women and nine newcomers to this year's event.

To vote for your favourite principal click here.