Darryl Sherwin (55), of Wanaka, and Leon Ford (55), of Auckland, plan to drive a tiny 1298cc Suzuki Jimney 4WD to Ulan-Ude in Siberia, via Mongolia.
Travelling in a cheap, "farcically small'' vehicle is part of the race culture, and carrying kitesurfing gear is part of "Team Kiwi Kite Surfers'' culture.
The two New Zealanders plan to take kitesurfing breaks wherever they can during their almost two months on the road.
One of the other race rules is the need to raise $2000 for a charity.
In Mr Sherwin's case, that will be the Upper Clutha Children's Medical Trust.
Aside from dictating the size of the car and the need for a charity, race organisers have just one other rule.
Once competitors leave the Goodwood Motor Circuit, near Portsmouth, they must be on their own, Mr Sherwin says.
"The route we have chosen will take us through 18 countries, three mountain ranges, endless kilometres of desert, at least 28 tanks of gas and uncountable potholes.''
However, the kitesurfers believe they have the mechanical skills to get their little car to the finish line.
They bought it online and won't see it until they arrive in England eight days before the race.
One other New Zealand team, from Southland, is also among the 240 teams, comprising 800 competitors, taking part.
The race - with no designated route and no overall winner - was founded in 2004 by Tom Morgan and is run by his League of Adventurists International Ltd company.
