DESPITE its title the Cartersport Jack Frost Stages Rally promises to be a heated affair when it takes place at Croft Circuit this Sunday.

Last month's Specsavers Christmas Stages Rally attracted more than 1,500 fans despite the bad weather, so with the forecast for the weekend to be much milder, competitors, organisers, marshals and spectators alike are looking forward to some high speed action.

Winner for the last two years, Paul Bird, is going for the hat-trick and along with Scottish co-driver Kirsty Riddick, heads the entry list in his works-specification Ford Focus WRC.

The Penrith driver was National Rally Champion back in 2005 and the event will be one of a select few he contests in 2011.

However, another local crew will also be looking to stamp their names on the winner's trophy for a third time.

Following retirement due to the treacherous conditions a couple of weeks ago, Pickhill pairing Chris Wise and co-driver Tracey Taylor-West are hoping to add to their victories in 2006 and 2007 in their venerable MG Metro 6R4.

With more than 70 cars assembled for the 40-stage mile event, the battles throughout the field will be intense.

In Class 5, the Subaru Forester of Alex Taylor will be up against the likes of York's Chris Myers (Mitsubishi), Scotsman Stuart Baillie (Subaru) and the Mazda 323 of Leeds driver David Marshall.

However, a strong local contingent includes Redcar's Dave Craven (Mitsubishi), Chop Gate brothers John and Mark Gaskin (Subaru) and Brompton shopkeeper Darren Grimston (Mitsubishi).

Class 4 should prove interesting as Darlington stunt driver and multiple British Autotest Champion, Paul Swift, goes head-to-head with fellow Ford Escort Mk2 driver Martin Elsdon from Scotland.

Catterick Autograsser Martyn Tinker will look towards putting the disappointment of retirement on the Christmas Stages behind him as he goes for Class 3 honours in his Lotus Exige. However, he can expect stiff opposition from Tynesider Dave Conley (Hillman Avenger) and the LPG-powered Renault Clio of Mickleton's Alistair Hutchinson.

The 1600cc Class 2 will prove most competitive with the likes of Carlisle builder Barry Lindsay (Peugeot 106) squaring off with Northumberland farmer Chris Singer (Citroen Saxo Kit Car) and Yorkshireman Chris Platt (Vauxhall Tigra).

Class 1, sees Andy Fawcett from Witton Gilbert mixing it in his Vauxhall Nova with Berwick's David Martin (Vauxhall Astra) and York driver Samantha Gabb in her Peugeot 106.

Larry Carter from Northallerton will also be in action in the MSR Motorsport-prepared Peugeot 206.

The event comprises rounds of the AS Performance North of England Tarmacadam Rally Championship 2011, SG Petch/ANECCC Stage Rally Championship 2011, Borders Stage Rally Championship 2011 and ANCC Stage Rally Championship 2011.

The first car starts at 9.15am and the event comprises eight stages totaling around 40 miles throughout the day, including at least one in darkness before the prize presentation at Croft around 6pm.

Gates open at 8am and admission is £10 per adult with accompanied children aged 15 and under admitted free. There is also free parking.