The 'world's fastest Maori' Marty Roestenburg is targeting a place on the podium and the fastest Kiwi driver title at the 2006 Silverstone Race to the Sky in his powerful H6 Subaru Impreza WRX.
Roestenburg put the car,developed by David and Linda Loughlin of Tauranga, through its paces for the first time last year taking out fifth place overall.
He was disappointed with the result but this year is confident of improving his position in the Subaru, which is powered by a twin turbo charged 3.0litre, six cylinder Legacy engine, and produces 6-650 horsepower.
"Last year I made a couple of serious cornering mistakes which cost me a lot of time. I am determined that won't happen this year. We have also made some improvements to the car which is now lighter, stronger and faster."
Roestenburg believes he can crack the 8m 30 sec mark on the challenging Waiorau Snow Farm road.
"Last year's 8.40 was really the result of the mistakes I made on the hill. The car was certainly capable of a faster time."
He is keen to take on arch rival Andrew Hawkeswood again. Hawkeswood was third last year in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 and won the Possum Bourne Memorial Trophy for the fastest New Zealand driver.
"We always challenge each other and our careers haver been pretty much intertwined which has kept us on our toes over the last 15 years or so."
Roestenburg is targeting three major events this year - the Race to the Sky , the Ashley Forest rally and the Pike's Peak race at Colorado in the United States on July 1.
"I have dreamed about entering the Race to the Clouds as it's known. I have followed it for years and it would be a real adventure to take a team to the States and compete in it flying the flag for New Zealand."
Race to the Sky event promoter Grant Aitken says the higher standard of entries from Kiwi competitors like Roestenburg and Hawkeswood signals a new era.
"With more and more Kiwis preparing cars specifically for the event we are more likley to see a New Zealander take out the King of the Mountain title. So far only the legendary Possum Bourne has achieved it but I think the day is getting closer."
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 free. Gold Pass $125.
