This weekend will see 2011 American Rally Champions David Higgins and Craig Drew (pictured) start the defence of their title.

The opening round sees an excellent entry of 80 cars head for the Sno Drift Rally, which is based just North of Michigan and is a full blown snow rally.

Temperatures of -23 degrees are expected over the weekend. The two-day event consists of 24 special stages, some of which run in darkness, totalling 140 competitive miles.

The Team Subaru USA Impreza has a new sponsor this year in the shape of Puma with BF Goodrich supplying the tyres.

Over the winter months the car has had both gearbox and suspension upgrades, but the duo will have a two-day test prior to start to get familiarised with car.

"Really looking forward to Sno Drift, we retired their last year, so hopefully we can get to the end this year, there's plenty of snow out there too," said Drew.

"It is going to be tough year with plenty of competition, Ken Block will miss the Sno Drift but will do the rest of the series in a 450 bhp Fiesta WRC, Canadian champion Antione L'Estage Lancer Evo 10 is always tough to beat, plus a few other good names there too."

The entries for the Team GMF Wyedean Forest Rally have now topped the 150 mark, further locals to have placed entries include twice-winner Paul Spooner, who will again team up with Steve Perez in the Kick Energy Focus WRC.

The Raglan based co-driver was a winner in 1999 alongside Brian Bell. Perez will again start favourite to repeat his 2010 success.

Up-and-coming Daniel O'Brien has the very experienced Paul Morris on board in the 02 Focus WRC. The Ross-based co-driver's experience will be a big help to the youngster on this year's BTRDA series.

Mark Christopher has Lizzie Brain alongside in his Peugeot 205 GTI. Mike Goodman, with Abbie Summerfield on the notes, is in a new Fiesta ST.

Jason Morgan and Gareth Pritchard are there in a newly rebuilt Winner Rally Team Subaru Impreza.

Joining them will be Jason Gardner and Matt Davis in the Brecon View Plumbing historic spec Escort MK1.

Picture courtesy of TWM Photography.