Rallying returns to Anglesey Circuit this weekend, with the Tilemaster Adhesives Lee Holland Memorial Stages providing the perfect curtain raiser to what promises to be an action-packed season of motorsport.
Jointly organised by the Pendle & District and Preston & Garstang Motor Clubs, the event, now in its 26th year, returns with a brand new sponsor and a bumper entry list.
With over 60 competitors taking to the tarmac, the entry list features a host of household names including the current championship leader, a Le Mans 24 Hour Race winner and a British Touring Car Championship favourite, while there will be a dazzling array of motoring machinery, including modern World Rally Championship specials, to the iconic Group B flair of an Audi Quattro, and the retro appeal of the Ford Escort Mk2.
The penultimate round of the 2018-19 Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship in association with MSVR, featuring the Michelin Cup and the Protyre Challenge, the event sees the drivers tackle a series of challenging, bespoke stages, featuring tyre chicanes, off-road sections and even the circuit running in the wrong direction!
Chris West could successfully defend his title with a strong result in his iconic Smith & Jones powered Peugeot 306 Maxi, but will face stiff competition once again from former Le Mans 24 hours winner Guy Smith (right), who most recently took his second MNCRC victory of the season at Donington two weeks ago.
BTCC fans will get another glimpse of Paul O’Neil as he returns to the circuit in a Mazda MX5 looking for success (right). ‘Owy’ will be aided by Autosport journalist Jack Benyon in the co-driver’s seat.
Son of former rally star Paul Bird, and Formula Renault Eurocup regular Frank Bird will partake in only his second rally, while event sponsor Mark Kelly, three-time event winner Will Owen and second in Championship Stephen Tilburn, lead the charge of the older machinery in their Ford Escort Mk2.