Bay of Plenty driver Michael Young is reigniting his fight in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship at the International Rally of Queensland on Australia's Sunshine Coast this weekend.

Piloting his Cusco Racing Subaru Impreza for only the second time in his rallying career, Young is the only Kiwi competitor in the championship and will face a new challenge in Queensland.

Bay of Plenty Driver Mike Young (left) with co-drivers Erin Kelly and Malcolm Read. Young and Read will be competing at the International Rally of Queensland this weekend. Photo: Supplied

'I have to keep in mind that I have still little experience in the car, I may have adapted quickly to it but it's still early days,” says Young. 'Last year I pushed hard in the two-wheel-drive and had some big moments as the stages are narrow and quite fast.

'But those stages will be a little easier in the four-wheel-drive with the extra power. Although, trees are often quite close to the edge of the road so we still have to be careful.

'A good set of pace notes is going to be important, so recce will be a big day, but I'm lucky to have Malcolm [Read, co-driver] back again.”

Regular co-driver Read joins Young again in Queensland after the successful duo was recently accepted into Motorsport New Zealand's Elite Motorsport Academy.

The academy involves seven days of intense mental and physical training and will start one week following the Queensland rally.

Young and Read haven't been in the Cusco Racing Subaru Impreza since their successful debut at the International Rally of Whangarei in April, but remain optimistic of their chances in Queensland.

'I am fortunate to have the awesome support from EZY Racing here in Australia,” says Young. 'They have travelled a long way to be here with us this weekend and their support will definitely help.”

The International Rally of Queensland begins Saturday morning at Kenilworth before teams compete across 227.06 kilometres of closed special stages around the Sunshine Coast over June 20 and 21.