It will be the second year in the rally for Buckley, who was placed third in his class and eleventh outright last year.

Buckley, who drives an HSV GTS Coupe, found himself on a steep learning curve last year, competing in both wet and dry events without having driven the car in the wet before.

"Last year I had only owned the car for five weeks prior to the rally. Now that I know what the car is capable of, I'm confident I will do even better," Buckley said.

Buckley had been away from racing for four years before making his impressive return to the sport last year.

"The results we had last year were very pleasing considering the kind of cars we competed against and the number of regular competitors we faced," Buckley said.

"I'm confident that the car can do better. With the learning experience of last year and the better knowledge of the car, I'm expecting good things."

The tarmac rally encompasses 24 different driving events including hill climbs, motorkhana, circuit racing and wet and dry skid pars.

"Basically everyone has to compete cold. There is no practise run; you arrive at the course and drive immediately afterwards," Buckley said.

"There are some very serious competitors, some of which will be competing in the Tri-Series, which includes events in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria."

Buckley is the only competitor from the Highlands taking part in the rally. He will be supported by his team, which includes Daniel Johnson, Landon Halliday, Chris Richardson and Chris Gunther.