It took three fire extinguishers, one from his mate following behind, to put out the flames, the damage as bad as the first incident last year when he rolled it on its roof.
It had been an exciting time for Michael, having rebuilt his car which he displayed at the Dannevirke Wheels With Attitude show in January.
After a few local rallies, including Mill Stream, he competed in Rod Millan's Leadfoot Festival over Waitangi Weekend at Coromandel.
He was thrilled to form a partnership with co-driver Len Fisher who at 73 is one of the most experienced co-drivers in New Zealand.
Michael says they gel perfectly.
The event at Whangarei would not have been possible without support from sponsors LTS, Ernie Christison Contracting, Turton Farm Supplies, Paewai Mullins Shearing, Catching Pen Café, and his naming sponsors DDS and A&A Auto Works.
Andrew Brookes of Auto Works closed up shop for the week and went up to crew for Michael.
Sponsors are all the more important for Michael now that he has given up his employment at Tumu Timber to pursue an apprenticeship in engineering with Mike Christie Sheet Metals.
Michael is committed to motorsport and hopes to move into motor sport fabrications, building race cars as a career while still driving.
Next up in the programme is the Rally of Coromandel on August 26 - if he can get his car ready. Michael would love to hear from new sponsors on 06 374 7209 or 027 247 1369.