Entries are now open for the 2006 Silverstone Race to the Sky and high profile international and Kiwi drivers will be part of the 125 strong field for the event which is being held in the Cardrona Valley on April 15 and 16.
Event promoter Grant Aitken says the race, which is held on the Waiorau Snow Farm road, has a reputation as the most challenging in the world and many drivers see it as a key event on the New Zealand motorsport circuit.
Seven times winner and current title holder 'Monster' Tajima of Japan, will face some tough opposition with the planned return by former World Rally competitor Kenneth Eriksson of Sweden, who will be again driving the former Possum Bourne WRC Subaru.
Eriksson was second last year 12 seconds behind Tajima, who almost equalled his 2003 record of 8.10secs, when he clocked 8.10.84.
Other crowd favourites are ex pat Kiwi Rod Millen who always gives Tajima a run for his money and locals Andrew Hawkeswood and Marty Roestenburg. The current quad bike title holder Ian Ffitch consistently challenges the lead cars for a top ten finish.
Organisers expect to see more cars entered in the Kiwi 2 class this year. A special trophy was introduced last year to encourage drivers competing in the front wheel 2WD class on the national rally circuit to enter the Race to the Sky.
"We are expecting more competitors to enter the Kiwi 2 this year. Because 2WD's are not as well suited as the 4WD's to the Snow Farm road conditions we have introduced the special award to create more competition and interest in this class."
A special promotion focusing on the Chinese Dong Feng trucks, which have made an appearance for the past few years at the Race to the Sky, is being planned.
"The details are still being finalised but this should provide some good entertainment for the crowd, " says Mr Aitken.
A new feature for spectators this year, expected to have wide appeal, is the opportunity to drive up the Snow Farm road to a key viewing spot on the course.
"We are keen to involve spectators more and are sure that race enthusiasts will welcome the chance to watch the event from a good location. We will set up about three places around the course and allow a limited number of vehicles access to the sites."
Mr Aitken says people will be able to choose whether they watch the race from one of the sites for a half day or a full day.
"This concept is based on a similar one at Pikes Peak in Colorado. It is highly successful and we expect there will be a lot of spectator interest in the idea here."
Entries for the 2006 Silverstone Race to the Sky close on March 10.
The 2006 Silverstone Race to the Sky is scheduled for Easter weekend April 15 and 16 at the Snow Farm in the Cardrona Valley, close to Queenstown and Wanaka.
Gates open from 7.30am on both days . Gate admission $35 per adult, school children $10 and under 5's go free. Gold Pass $125.
