A stunning an superb entry of almost 50 legendary rally cars will line up beneath the ramparts of Kielder Castle, ready to contest the Pirelli Historic Rally, the 3rd round of the 2012 Kololi Beach Club MDSA British Historic Rally Championship.

With an entry list reading like a "Who's Who" of historic rallying and all the leading championship contenders, the pace is bound to be pretty hot over the fast undulating gravel stages in the giant Kielder Forest complex.

The Category One battle will be interesting with Bulldog winner Paul Mankin (Lotus Cortina) up against the Porsche 911's of serial hard chargers Rikki Proffit and Dessi Nutt, the latter will have painful memories of encountering a large rock on last year's event ! Also in this category are the Imp Sports of Geoff Taylor/ Steve Greenhill and Nigel and Henry Webster plus the Alfa Romeo Giullia of John Everard/ Mark Sarpley.

Category Two has been dominated by Julian Reynolds this year, the Narbeth man streaking to victory on the opening two rounds in his Escort RS1600. He won't have things all his own way however, reigning BHRC Champion David Stokes ( RS1600) will be looking to get back on the pace , Ernie Graham ( RS1600), with son Will alongside, is having a serious crack at the championship this year and the ever reliable Dick Slaughter (RS2000) is also in the line up. As are potential front runners Rupert Lomax and Andrew Siddall.

Nick Elliott has been unbeatable so far this year and with maximum Category Three points already in the bag will be looking to consolidate his position over the Kielder stages where he went so well last year Who will be the best of the rest ?, well judging by the results on the previous round, the Escort of Kevin Davies/ Dale Furniss will be one crew to watch as will be Tomas Davies & Eurig Davies (Escort) and Yorkshire's Warren Philliskirk, all of these crews finishing in a tight knit bunch last time out

The Pirelli Historic Rally features an early 07:30 start from Kielder Castle with the opening stages, quite literally, just across the road. The first car is due to cross the finishing line at Carlisle racecourse at 14:37.