Ripon-based Charlie Payne and co-driver Craig Thorley, driving their Just Ferries-sponsored WRC Ford Focus, will defend their 2010 crown at Malton Motor Club’s Forest Rally this weekend.

Starting at the Pickering Showground on Sunday (November 6), this year’s event is a counting round of several regional championships and is the second round of the Just Ferries Yorkshire Winter Rally Challenge.

Local crews expected to be competitive are Barton Hill’s Yuk Hodgson, navigated by his daughter Jemma, in their Solarwall and the Spotted Cow Malton-entered Mk2 Escort.

On the resent Trackrod Rally, Hodgson had to retire with tyre and electrical problems so they are looking forward to an incident-free rally. His flat-out sideways driving style is very much appreciated by the Yorkshire spectators.

Also entered in a distinctive Ford Escort are Malton’s Stuart Boyes with Tom Spencer reading the notes. Spencer has just returned from the Tour of Mull Rally where he navigated for Richard Spink. Only entering a few local events, Boyes has had some good results and will be hoping to challenge for top rear-wheel-drive honours.

In the smaller-engined class, Amanda Cornforth, from near Sutton Bank, navigated by father Derek, will be hoping for a clear run. At their last event they encountered drive shaft problems so they will be looking for better reliability in their F And D Cornforth (Agricultural)-entered Ford Ka.

Two stages will be held at the Pickering Showground and further stages on forestry gravel roads.

Spectators are welcome in well-directed areas. Further details are available at www.maltonmc.co.uk

All money raised above the nominal amount for the forestry goes to the local scout group and rotary club.