This weekend, the W Series will arrive in Texas to begin the final showdown of the 2021 season.
It all boils down to a double header at the Circuit of the Americas and as it stands, nothing separates Alice Powell and Jamie Chadwick at the top of the table.
The two Brits are tied on 109 points each – so there's absolutely no room for error in these final two races.
Joint series leader Alice Powell started her 2021 campaign exactly as she finished in 2019 – hoisting a trophy high above her head at the top of the podium.
The 2020 W Series season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, so Powell enjoyed back-to-back race wins, despite them being almost two years apart.
The Racing X star got this season underway with a win at the Red Bull Ring and went on to bag two more victories – the most iconic being at Silverstone on the British Grand Prix weekend.
Speaking to GiveMeSport Women, Powell discussed her title fight with reigning champion Chadwick and their never-before-seen points situation.
"I’m in a great position leading the championship. I don’t think anyone could have predicted that we’d be tied on points going into the last couple of races. What a great spectacle we’re going to have.
"I’m going to take it as any other race weekend. I’m not picking and choosing my fights, I’m just going to do as best as I can to make sure I give myself the best chance of winning the championship."
Despite knowing just two more wins will secure Powell her first ever W Series title, she is adamant there is still "a long way to go" before anything is wrapped up.
The penultimate races will take place across the last two weekends in November. The finale, originally scheduled to take place in Mexico, will now be a second appearance on the Circuit of the Americas in Houston, Texas.
Formula 1 announced a partnership with W Series for the 2021 season and beyond – showcasing the top female talent in the championship as they race on the Grand Prix undercards.
Being able to race on the world's biggest circuits has made this thrilling title battle even more special.
"It’s been great – obviously you want a close fight in a title battle because if you end up coming out on top, it makes it even sweeter," Powell said, who then went on to pay respect to title rival Chadwick.
"Me and Jamie have a lot of respect for each other and we acknowledge each one of us is a good driver and a fast driver. So hopefully we have a great battle out in COTA.
"Jamie’s a champion – she was so consistent in 2019. She’s a strong driver and I was going into this year’s championship with someone I knew would be challenging at the front.
"She’s got raw speed, great qualifying pace – we saw that at Brands Hatch in 2019 when she pipped me to P1 by a couple of tenths after I was leading for the majority of the session. She can definitely pull it out the bag and I know we’ll be pushing each other hard in the final two races."
The penultimate race will get underway on Saturday, November 23rd as the two Brits resume their gritty challenge for this year's crown.
"I’ve had similar experiences but I’ve never been tied on points at the top with two races to go. It’s definitely unique for me and a new experience but one I’m looking forward to. I can’t wait to continue the fight in Austin and hopefully I come out on top."