A HOST of top drivers are set to descend on Pickering for the 2002 Kall Kwik National Rally this Sunday.

Up to 1000 spectators are expected at the event, many of whom will be cheering on a large local contingent of drivers from Malton Motor Club.

And this year's race has added signifi-cance as it is the first major rally in Ryedale's heartlands for 12 months, due to restrictions imposed because of foot and mouth. The rally is an official round for four regional club championship circuits in the North and the Midlands.

Sunday's 120-mile event, organised by De Lacy Motor Club, consists of over 40 miles of forest track, broken up into seven stages. The route takes in Dalby, Staindale, Gale Rigg and Cropton forests and includes two service stops at Flamingo Land.

Like last year, the market place in Pick-ering town centre will be closed to traffic from 9.45am to allow competitors to congregate. The first cars are expected back at around 4pm.

Favourites for the event are defending champions Steve Petch and John Richardson. Petch will be aiming for a hat-trick of wins in his Hyundai WRC. But he will be pushed all the way by a high-quality field of over 75 drivers.

Included among the top ten seeds are former winner Charlie Payne, who came second in the recent Riponian Rally, and Whitby rally instructor Ryan Champion. Malton Motor Club's Graham Wilcock is also among the top bracket, as he partners number eight seed Andy Elliott, from York.

Alan Richardson, Mark Simspon, Steve Bannister and Steve Magson are among the Ryedale contenders, who will be looking for class victories.

Spectators will be treated to some spectacular machinery. Almost 40pc of entrants are in the A5 four-wheel drive class.

Programmes with a full entry list and route maps will be on sale from Pickering Memorial Hall from Saturday (1pm), and in the Market Place and Dalby toll booth on Sunday. Half the proceeds from programme sales go to Pickering Scouts and Rotary Club.

To add to the entertainment, North York Moors Railway are holding a Harry Potter weekend with special visits to Hogwarts Station. Ring (01751) 472508 for more details.

Turn to page 34 for a preview on Malton Motor Club's contenders.

Updated: 11:35 Thursday, February 14, 2002