A top class field is heading to Carlisle Racecourse for the Pirelli International rally, the Second round of the MSA British Rally Championship but just who will be cantering up the final furlong to the winning post is anybody’s guess and the bookies would be hard pressed to pick a winner.

 

An exciting prospect will be Guy Wilkes, winner of the event for the past two years and current British Champion, he debuts the new Proton Satria Super 2000 car but will be hard pushed by Mark Higgins (Subaru N11) also a former British Champion and two time winner in Cumbria who forms a formidable two car team with the exciting young prospect, Adam Gould. Then there is Keith Cronnin, (Mitsubishi), the Irishman won the opening round and he heads a strong challenge from across the Irish Sea which includes Philip & Simon Morrow (Mitsubishi), Jonathon Greer (Mitsubishi) Alistair Fisher (Mitsubishi) and Craig Breen and Kyle Orr in Fiestas.

 

Another Irishman to watch is Martin McCormack who leads the Citroen Rally Cup, his main opposition coming from Mark gamble, Jason Pritchard and Andrew Hockridge.

 

Australian lady driver Molly Taylor surprised many by coming home first in the opening round of the Suzuki Swift Cup, she will again be partnered by Carlisle’s Jemma Bellingham and they go head to head with Luke Pinder, Nick Everard, Gordon Nichol and David Harrisson.

 

The Pirelli International Rally runs over the weekend f 17^th / 18^th April and the action gets underway at Carlisle racecourse with cars leaving from 4:30pm. There is ample spectator viewing from the main grandstand and a full commentary as the cars head off.