After a three-year absence, Croft Circuit will once again reverberate to the sound of rally cars later this month when the Swift Signs and Shirts Christmas Winter Stages Rally takes place on Sunday, November 27.

Following the effects of the pandemic and a brief sabbatical, the combined forces of Northallerton Automobile Club Ltd and Darlington and District Motor Club have worked together along with the Croft management to bring the sport back onto the calendar and with a capacity 90-car entry already assembled, it’s set to be a cracking event.

In 2019, when the event ran as the Christmas Stages Rally, it was rising star Frank Bird from Penrith and his Hexham co-driver Jack Morton who brought their Ford Focus WRC home to victory at the North Yorkshire track to emulate dad Paul’s double success on the event 18 years prior. Frank is back to defend his title this year in the latest-specification Ford Fiesta R5.

Second last time out was eight-times winner of the event, Kevin Procter, who will be hoping he can add to his tally. The local businessman from nearby Leeming Bar has been a staunch supporter of the event for many years and will be giving Bird a run for his money in his Procter’s Luxury Coaches-backed Ford Fiesta S2000.

Willington driver David Henderson has had a successful season in his Ford Fiesta R5 and will have wife Katie alongside him on the maps as they look to add to his Croft victory 21 years ago. Joe Cunningham and Josh Beer from Bedale are another pair who could challenge for the win in their Ford Fiesta, also backed by Procter’s.

Darlington stunt ace Paul Swift (Ford Escort), rallycross champion, Northallerton’s Dave Bellerby (Ford Sapphire) and Durham driver Barry Renwick (Ford Escort) will also be to the fore whilst the likes of Mickleton’s Alistair Hutchinson (Renault Clio), Witton Gilbert driver Andrew Fawcett (Vauxhall Nova) and Stephen Sawley from Spennymoor (Ford Escort) will be vying for class wins.

Croft are offering advance ticket sales at a discounted price. Cost is £12 per adult as opposed to £15 on the day, with accompanied children aged 15 and under admitted free.

Gates open at 8am and the first car starts stage one at 9am with action continuing throughout the day with the final stage being run in darkness. Parking is also available. For further information, visit croftcircuit.co.uk