Hometown favourite Cole Armstrong was an early casualty in round three of the Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship at Tauranga's ASB Baypark Stadium.

He was knocked out of contention when the judges decided to go the way of South Island driver Joel Counter, who proceeded through to the top-eight.

Counter put in an aggressive chase on pole sitter Armstrong, but the local man mirrored Counter's chase perfect. However, as the V Energy backed Nissan Skyline 250GT approached the final turn, Armstrong hit the inside clipping point, which earned him a deduction.

Yesterday's eventual winner was Northland's Tom Marshall, who previously came second in round two of the series, and now sits atop the points standings, just ahead of title contender Armstrong.

'This is our fourth year now, so to finally get a win in the Pro Series is amazing,” says Marshall.

'I've always wanted a win, but to finally do it — we're stoked.”

He says his goal is to finish inside the top-three in the Pro Series standings by the season's end at Pukekohe Park, but isn't ruling out a proper title bid.

'My goal is just to focus a bit more now, take it a bit more seriously instead of just for fun, and see if we can take away a podium in the championship points.

'It's a possibility, I suppose, because I'll be up there in the points. With two more rounds it could easily be done, but it's still anyone's game for the top-six or seven drivers I would say.”

With his podium finish at round two and victory at the latest round, Marshall now leads with two more rounds remaining in the Demon Energy D1NZ National Drifting Championship.

The series now moves to the North Waikato's Hampton Downs Motorsport Park to compete on the newly built club circuit. For more information visit D1NZ.com