Tauranga's Phil Campbell is heading into this weekend's Rally of Whangarei looking to step up the impressive pace he set in 2014.

Teaming up with co-driver Venita Fabbro, Campbell is looking forward to returning for the opening round of the Brian Green Property Group NZ Rally Championship.

Tauranga rally driver Phil Campbell is confident he can challenge for podium positions at this weekend's Rally of Whangarei. Photo: Supplied.

In 2014, and making his rally debut in a four-wheel drive car, the 28-year-old was sitting comfortably inside the top three, only to suffer a drive train failure.

But with a couple of club events under his belt since making improvements to the car, Campbell is confident he can challenge for podium positions.

However, he is mindful that getting to the finish line and scoring points is crucial for a strong championship campaign.

'The car feels really, really good and strong in the couple of events we have done so far this year, so I'm confident that we can deliver a strong result for The Roofing Store,” says Campbell.

'We will be driving to ensure we get to the finish though. It's a long season and it is hard to come back from a DNF early in the season.”

The second half of the 2014 season saw Campbell record some impressive results, including a maiden championship round win.

This was despite running The Roofing Store Mitsubishi in complete Group N trim, including a smaller turbo restrictor.

Series regulations for 2015 mean most competitors must run a smaller turbo restrictor than last year, leading to a reduction in power.

Last year, however, The Roofing Store Mitsubishi Evo 9 ran with a smaller restrictor and will be able to increase that size for 2015, offering more power.

The engine has also been modified, while the car has also been lightened over the off-season.

The serious action begins today, with eight high-speed special stages north of the host town, while Sunday sees a further six special stages before the finish at the Whangarei town basin.

For more information visit: www.nzrallychamps.co.nz