FORMER national rally champion Paul Bird will defend his Cartersport Jack Frost Stages Rally title when he takes part in the event at Croft Circuit on Sunday, January 17.

The Penrith driver will bring his latest Ford Focus WRC08, in which he will contest selected rounds of the World Rally Championship, to the Darlington & District Motor Club-organised event. He took an easy victory in his Subaru last year.

Along with Scottish codriver Kirsty Riddick, Bird was hoping to contest this weekend’s Specsavers Christmas Stages Rally, which takes place at Croft today. But he is likely to miss the event organised by Northallerton Automobile Club.

Former winners Chris Wise and Tracey Taylor-West will be challenging in their MG Metro 6R4, and there is a very healthy two-wheel drive contingent, including the Vauxhalls of Chris Platt and Kev Monaghan as well as Barry Lindsay’s Peugeot 106.

The historic class is well represented, with Darlington stunt driver Paul Swift (Ford Escort Mk1) up against the Datsun 240Z of ex-circuit manager Brian Morris from Richmond.

Just 20 places remain available for the event, which will again comprise up to eight stages totalling around 36 stage miles.

Scrutineering and documentation take place the same day as the event.

The entry fee is £190, the same as 2009, and the closing date is January 4.

For further information, please contact Terry Wright on 01325 359895 (before 9pm).

Regulations and entry forms are available at www.darlington-motorclub.org.uk.