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

Following the effects of the Covid pandemic and a brief sabbatical, the combined forces of Northallerton Automobile Club Ltd and Darlington and District Motor Club have tirelessly 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 another cracking event.

Back in 2019, when the event run 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 some 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), multiple 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.

Interestingly, the Richmond-based Constantine family will be out en masse on the event. Mark and brother Andrew will be major challengers for a class victory in their Vauxhall Corsa, whilst Mark’s two sons, Tom and Luke will make their rallying debut, each driving a recently built MG3. Andrew’s twin sons, James and Oliver, will share a Suzuki Swift on the event whereby one of the senior officials in charge of running the rally is Mark and Andrew’s sister, Nicky.

With the return of the event, demand for tickets is expected to be high and once again, Croft are offering advance ticket sales at a discounted price. The cost is just £12 per adult as opposed to £15 on the day, with accompanied children aged 15 and under admitted free.

Gates open at 8.00am and the first car starts stage one at 9.00am with action continuing throughout the day with the final stage being run in complete darkness. Extensive free parking is also available with trade stalls, food outlets and commentary.