Drivers prepare for forest stages (From Gazette & Herald)

Drivers prepare for forest stages

Ryedale's rally stars are preparing for the annual Wold Construction North Humberside Forest Rally next weekend.

The rally, which is based at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Willerby, has two stages taking place in Dalby Forest on Saturday, March 25.

The rally is the third round of the Silverstone Competition Tyres BTRDA Rally Series, incorporating the Silverstone Tyres Gold Star, Silverstone Tyres Silver Star and Xspec 1400 Championships.

As the crews arrive on Humberside, the Corsa of Neil Weaver is tying for the lead with Malton Motor Club's John Bannister and his Subaru Impreza.

At this early stage on the season, there are a number of drivers within a handful of points of these two who are just waiting to pounce should misfortune hamper their progress.

Other local drivers taking part include Alan Richardson and Christopher Roe in their Vauxhall Nova, Ryan Champion and Craig Thorley in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V, Steve Bannister and Kevin Rae in their Ford Escort, Gavin Read and Craig Jenkinson in their Subaru Impreza, Colin Gent and Martyn Stephenson in their Honda Civic, Matthew Smith and Darren Smith in their Peugoet 205 gti, and Jon Finch and Paul Vasey in their BMW 318 IS.

The rally's organisers say the first car will to leave the Ramada Jarvis Hotel at Willerby at 8am.

The event is expected to end at the same location at approximately 5.15pm.

Updated: 11:55 Wednesday, March 22, 2006