TOM Boardman enters the final two rounds of the 2002 Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship this weekend (Sunday, September 22) ready to roll up his sleeves for a big fight.

For he will be slugging it out with three rivals in a bid to grab third place overall in the BTC Production class.

The Lancashire-based ace is joint fifth in the points ahead of Rounds 19 and 20 at Donington Park, Derbyshire, but there is still a chance he can snatch third place away from Spencer Marsh.

With 34 points available, Boardman needs just 25 to overhaul Marsh, however he also faces stiff opposition for that final placing from Jim Edwards Jnr, in fourth, and Gavin Pyper (equal fifth with Boardman).

Says the 18-year-old: "It's going to be very tough to take third.

I'm up against three very determined guys but it is possible.

"I just need to go for it and see what happens.

I've got nothing to lose - and if I don't finish third at least I will be able to say I was trying.

"Hopefully the other guys will have really bad weekends and I'll have a very good one.

The one advantage I do have is reliability in my car.

"All the other three drivers have suffered this year with mechanical problems, and Donington is rough on cars because it's a very long lap.

"It has got two good long straights and two very tight hairpins and they ask a lot of questions about a car's engine and brakes."

The push for third from Forton based Boardman could also help his team Edenbridge Racing win the BTC Production Teams' Championship - and the £8,000 cheque that goes with the honour.

The BMW 320 outfit are second ahead of the final showdown on Sunday but leading team Synchro Motorsport are only a handful of points ahead.

Boardman adds: "Taking the Teams' Championship would be a great way to end the season.

If everything goes to plan and I get a lot of points in my fight for third, then the Teams side of things should look after itself.

But at the end of the day I have to look out for myself first.

"I have to finish on the podium in both races to stand a chance of taking third so it will be all or nothing for me this weekend!"

Boardman will be in action on Saturday (September 21s in qualifying for both races.

Round 19 (15 laps) is scheduled to start at 12.55pm on Sunday, while the 25-lap Round 20 should get underway at 4.15pm.

The highlights of the races will be shown on ITV on the afternoon of Saturday, September 28.