A super entry of almost 70 of yesteryears classic rally cars are set to do battle on the Pirelli Historic Rally, the second round of the Dunlop/ Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship, which forms a “Double Header” with the modern Pirelli International Rally. Rally fans love the sight and sound of these legendary rally cars and are sure to flock in droves to see them in action.

The rally enjoys a high profile start from Carlisle city centre and first over the ramp will be the growling Sunbeam Tiger of Patrick Watts/ Elgan Davies followed by the Porsche of Dessie Nutt / Geraldine McBride and the amazing 70 year old Bob Bean in his Lotus Cortina, these three finishing in that order in Category One on the opening round of the championship.

Category Two winner on the opening round was the Porsche of Steven Smith but he

will be hard pressed by the Ford Escort Mk1 of reigning BHRC champion David Stokes, he retired on the opening round so will be looking to make up lost ground.

Another driver looking for an upturn in fortune will be Five times British Champion Jimmie McRae, the Lanark man retired his Stobarts Porsche on the opening round with fuel problems but he is a former Pirelli winner and certainly knows his way around the areas forests. McRae won’t have it all his own way in Category Three however, the Ford Escort of Richard Hill took outright victory last time out while Darren Moon (Ford Escort ) will also be on the pace.

The first of the Pirelli Historic Rally crews leaves the start ramp at 5:45pm and heads for stages in  Kershope Forest where there are spectator facilities on Stage Three, The Valley, with the first car due there at 6:54pm. After an overnight halt the cars tackle a further three stages in Kielder Forest, with viewing in the Pundershaw stage, located off the Wark – Stonehaugh road, the action starts at 9:31am.

The finish is back in Carlisle at mid-day where the winners will be presented with their awards amid the usual champagne spraying.