THE Darlington and District Motor Club hosts the first of its club championship meetings at Croft Circuit this weekend.

The ever-popular Northern Saloon and Sports Car Championship (NSSCC) will be lining up for two races for each class group.

Defending Champion, 29-year-old Gavin Lee from Hartlepool, has spent the closed season overhauling his Ford Fiesta XR2, and with 12 other entrants in his class, competition is sure to be fierce.

Also in action will be the Equipe GTS series for Pre 1966 Historic Sports and GT cars, which makes its first ever visit to Croft, and are holding two, 30-minute sprint races over the weekend.

The motorcycle-engined Formula Jedi Championship will be contesting rounds three and four of their series whereby Boston's Richard Mitcham will be hoping to extend his 13- point advantage over Worcester driver Richard Gittings.

The Scottish Motor Club XR2 Championship makes a welcome return to Croft and always provides the crowds with plenty of action and close racing.

Points are up for grabs for rounds three and four of the series and Peter Cruickshank is currently heading the championship table.

More close racing comes in the shape of the Mazda MX5 championship where three rounds will be contested over the weekend. Members of the Royal Air Force Motor Sport Association will also be competing in a 15- minute race on Saturday.

Practice gets underway at 9.30am on Saturday with racing straight afterwards and on Sunday, the action gets underway at noon.

Adult admission is 10 on both days with accompanied children aged 15 and under admitted free.

Further information is available from Croft Circuit on 01325-721815 or at www.croftcircuit.co.uk