Top Manukau driver Marty Roestenburg, returns from a major injury following a high-speed rally accident last year, to make his presence felt again at the Silverstone Race to the Sky.

Roestenburg is always one of the event’s colourful competitors and while last year he posted a ‘DNF’ he is looking for revenge this year.

In last year’s accident both Marty and his co-driver Greg Harnett suffered back injuries. Marty says while his rehab has taken longer than he hoped he is ready to take on the challenge of competitive driving again.

“By the time we get to the South Island I am confident we will be competitive again and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Prior to the Race to the Sky, he will compete at Ashley Forest near Rangiora in the Dunlop Sprint, an event he finished second overall last year in last year and won in 2002.

“Then we head to the Cardrona Valley for the Race to the Sky over Easter. All going well we will then contest the six round Regional Rally Championship that we nearly won last year before we crashed.”

The Kempy’s Bitza Mitzi Auckland Finance supported Mitsubishi Evo 3, which Marty has driven for the past three seasons, has undergone an extensive rebuild and he thinks it will be one of the fastest around this season.

“We have tested the Evo and it’s all on track for our return.”

The Roestenburg car is entered in the Open 4WD section at the Race to this year and is expected to make a good showing, with previous best results of third overall, two fourth placings and three class wins.

Competitors such as Mike Turfus and Andrew Hawkeswood with their gruntier machines will however be tough competition.

Marty says he is particularly keen to be at the Race to the Sky this year, as a tribute to Possum Bourne who died tragically in a road accident on the Snow Farm Road, before the event last year.

“The fact that this year’s Race to the Sky is a memorial to Possum is significant for everyone who knew him. It’s something I really want to be part of.”

The 2004 Silverstone Race to the Sky is scheduled for Easter Weekend, April 10 and 11 at The Snow Farm in the Cardrona Valley, close to Queenstown and Wanaka.

Gates open from 7.00am on both Saturday and Sunday. Gate admission is $35 per adult, child under 14 free, Gold Pass $160