Entries in the Silverstone Race to the Sky at Easter 2005 are being increased to cater for 120 competitors due to strong demand from drivers from both New Zealand and offshore.
Event Promoter Grant Aitken says the race is scheduled for March 26 and 27 on the Snow Farm road in the Cardrona Valley. It has an international reputation as the toughest hillclimb in the world and is targeted by well known names in motorsport as well as newcomers.
“It’s exciting to see after eight years how established this race has become and we are now attracting a lot of competitors who see it as a top event on the motorsport calendar. It is great to have the support of our main sponsors Silverstone and Caltex again as well as other existing and new sponsors.”
Defending champion Nobuhiro (Monster) Tajima of Japan whose name is closely linked with the Silverstone Race to the Sky, after five times winning it, is expected to return along with long time supporter ex-pat Rod Millen, who lives in the United States. Millen was runner-up to Tajima last year.
Former leading World Rally Championship driver, Kenneth Eriksson of Sweden is also tipped to make a come back this year in Possum Bourne’s WRC Subaru. His goal is to win the ‘King of the Mountain’ title in memory of his former friend and rival.
Last year he was a big crowd puller in the Bourne car but was dogged by mechanical problems and was forced to pull out in the main event.
“Kenneth definitely has unfinished business,” says Mr Aitken. “Apparently he is going to be down at the Snow Farm this month test driving the Subaru so hopefully he is planning to enter the Race to the Sky again.”
There is also talk of a purpose built Holden 4WD Ute being prepared for New Zealand motorsport hero Greg Murphy. Murphy made his debut at the event last year and signalled he would return in a vehicle more suited to the job.
Entries for the 2005 Silverstone Race to the Sky open in early January and close on February 18.
The 2005 Silverstone Race to the Sky is scheduled for Easter Weekend, March 26 and 27 at The Snow Farm in Cardrona Valley, close to Queenstown and Wanaka.
