Record Entries-Silverstone Race to the Sky
Demand for a place on the grid at this year’s Silverstone Race to the Sky has reached an all time high with the Easter event oversubscribed for the first time.
Event Promoter Grant Aitken says there have been around 125 entries for 120 spots which reflects the growth of the event into an international motorsport fixture.
“It’s not so long ago that entries were below the hundred mark. This year we have extended the number we can take to 120 and all the classes are showing an increase.”
Fifty nine cars are entered, 35 quad bikes, 25 motorcycles and one truck.
The big names are returning with reigning ‘King of the Mountain’ Monster Nobuhiro Tajima in his Suzuki vowing to take his sixth title this year.
But there will be a strong challenge particularly from Sweden’s Kenneth Eriksson in the ex Possum Bourne WRC Subaru.
“That’s where I’m inclined to put my money,” says Mr Aitken. “Eriksson has unfinished business after problems last year, and with a car that has been completely rebuilt, the title could be his. He is certainly an outstanding driver and to have a World Rally Championship driver competing in a world rally car is a pretty good combination. He will quite possibly have the crowd with him as well.”
A top performance is also expected from Marty Roestenburg.
“Marty could be the surprise in his H6 WRX Subaru Impreza which is a better car for the Race to the Sky conditions than he’s entered before.”
Last year’s runner-up Rod Millen in his Toyota Hilux will be gunning for another podium place along with current quad bike record holder, Ian Ffitch who was third overall last year.
Craig Hyde who has held the Open Motorcycle title for several years will be hard to topple while another popular competitor, Trevor Crowe will contest the Open 2WD section in a Subaru Justy this year.
Five Australians are crossing the Tasman to compete this year. Three from Melbourne- Steve Riley, Brett Hayward and Scott Innes – are entered in the Open Wheel Special Division while John Spencer and Keith Callinan from Brisbane are competing in the Rallycourse Division.
The Dong Feng truck is making a special appearance again and will be driven by Mark Tapper.
This year’s Race to the Sky will get even more exposure both in New Zealand and offshore with the involvement of Mountain Film Unit of Queenstown as television media partner.
“We expect that with the increased television and marketing effort the Race to the Sky will get an even bigger profile,” says Mr Aitken.
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.
