MATT Neal is on the brink of becoming the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car champion for the first time.

The Droitwich Spa-based driver, who has been on the trail of British motorsport's top prize for 14 years, takes a 30-point lead over nearest rival Yvan Muller into Sunday's final three races at Brands Hatch.

For Droitwich-based Neal and team manager, father Steve, winning would be their biggest achievement since they first entered the BTCC in 1992.

In 1999 they scooped £250,000 for winning a race against the might of the mega-bucks manufacturer teams.

Now they are on the verge of not just becoming champions but also the first independent team to defeat the manufacturer outfits since 1991.

Neal, nicknamed 'The People's Champion', said: "If it happens it'll be a childhood dream come true. I never even thought I'd get this far when I was a kid. I always wanted to race cars, but never thought I'd be in a position where I've got one hand on the BTCC champion's trophy."

Although taking nothing for granted, Neal knows it would take a remarkable series of events for Muller to overhaul the lead.

Neal added: "If he wins each one, I have got to finish third or fourth in each one to make sure it's secure. It's not over but he's got to go some. I never like to be confident because I think that makes you complacent.

"I think the Honda will really suit the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, even with the maximum success ballast I'll have to carry as championship leader.

"My plan is to qualify on pole position for race one and make sure of the title with a win."

Team-mate Dan Eaves, from Evesham, has contributed to a fantastic Team Halfords effort this season, having guaranteed himself third position in the championship already.

It is not mathematically impossible for him to catch Muller either but Neal will be banking on his support on the track at the weekend.

"We have really done it as a group of people because we are not a big team," Neal said. "Unlike F1, there's a lot more gamesmanship involved in Touring Cars and you do have to work as a team to defend your corner."

In the last meeting at Silverstone, Neal endured the worst weekend of his season so far, but still came away with his substantial lead intact.

He admitted to feeling nervous ahead of those races and wishes he could enjoy himself a bit more.

Neal said: "I was nervous going into Silverstone a couple of weeks ago but I am a bit more comfortable going to Brands Hatch. It's a shame because I should be enjoying every minute of it but recently I have been wanting it to be over because of the pressure. It's been amazing."

Muller, who had mechanical problems at Silverstone, said: "If Matt does not take many risks and he scores strong points, then he is champion."

All the action is live on ITV1.