Alessandro "Alex" Vagner (28), originally of Brazil, has lived in Queenstown since 2008 and his Red Blue Horse trolley was picked from thousands of entries as one of 100 competitors in the downhill soapbox challenge.
Veteran of one Brazilian trolley grand prix, as well as a "Flugtag" lake jump, Mr Vagner is determined to beat his previous top-five finishes to take out the New Zealand title this year.
The prizemoney would help him towards his ambition of becoming a pilot.
"My frustration from not having been able to win in 2006 and 2008 keeps me motivated and not wanting to give up my dream of becoming a pilot. Spirit is a very important aspect in my life. I know that everything in life is possible by hard work, dedication and believing in yourself - the sky is the limit."
Along with a co-pilot, he will be piloting a variant of the same creation he used in the Brazilian events - his Red Blue Horse trolley.
Mr Vagner, who owns and operates a local travel agency, says the 3.5km Auckland Domain track will be fast, with "many crashes", but is looking forward to competing again.
If he wins the event, Mr Vagner plans to give half of his winnings to the Red Cross earthquake appeal.
