Experiencing the passion and excitement of grassroots racing has inspired Kiwi driver Jonny Reid ahead of this weekend's 9th Round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Shanghai.

New Zealand heads to the penultimate round of the 22-nation championship in second place overall, 15 points behind Switzerland, and Reid says his spirits have been lifted by watching a soapbox derby and a schools karting championship in recent weeks.

"It's been fantastic freshening up at home and going to the type of events you competed in as a kid," Reid said. "Everyone's trying so hard, but there's a sense of enjoyment that is infectious. I've arrived in Shanghai feeling grounded and focused."

After a hectic schedule in-between the most recent South African and Mexican rounds, including test drives on two different continents, Reid appreciated the three-week break ahead of Shanghai.

"We haven't had such a strong run of late, so to spend time in one place and be mentally prepared has been gratifying. We'll be approaching the weekend in a relaxed manner with high energy levels and I'm excited about what we can achieve."

Reid, who has more race wins this season, four, than any other driver, returns to Shanghai as top dog, having won last season's Feature Race despite the gear box being held together by a piece of wire.

"It was a stressful start to the race last year, but I have fond memories of the place and really enjoy the circuit. It's a fantastic facility and the track is wide and flowing with plenty of room to position the car.

"Being on pole won't guarantee you win because there's a lot of passing opportunities."

While overturning Switzerland's 15-point lead is a desired outcome this weekend Reid says the focus is solely on preparing Black Beauty well…and driving her hard.

"We don't look on it as the Swiss having to fold for us to zip through," Reid said. "We can still win the championship without anything untoward happening to them. We just have to concentrate on what we're doing so the wheels don't fall off our campaign.

"It's an exciting position to be in. With two rounds to go the championship is still in sight and we still control our own destiny."