THE best homegrown drivers will have to contend with a fierce challenge from overseas when the MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix takes place at Croft Circuit this weekend.

More than 70 drivers will converge on the circuit, near Darlington, for the two-day event Saturday and Sunday.

Motorsport legend Per Eklund from Sweden will be behind the wheel of the ex Will Gollop Peugeot 306 and will line up against Finnish driver Silvo Viitanen (ERC Fiesta Mk7 SuperCar). The two Scandinavians will take on the likes of European Championship contender Liam Doran (Citroen C4) and 2011 British Champion Julian Godfrey (Ford Fiesta) as part of a healthy 16-strong SuperCar line up.

Former GP winner Pat Doran will be in action in his Ford Focus, as will Ulsterman Derrick Jobb at the wheel of a Ford Escort. British Championship regulars Steve Hill (Mitsubishi Lancer X), Scotsman Andy Scott (Ford Focus), Steve Mundy (Ford Focus), Colin Anson (Ford Ka) and Simon Horton in his Subaru are also in action.

The local contingent will see any number of potential winners in the shape of Leeming's Kevin Procter (Ford Focus), Scotch Corner ace Tony Bardy (Ford Puma) and Barnard Castle hotelier 'Mad' Mark Watson (Citroen Xsara). Tynesiders David Binks (Ford Fiesta) and Gareth Wood (Mitsubishi Lancer) will pose a threat too as they look for glory in from of an expected bumper crowd.

In the 17-car SuperNational category Belgian Jos Sterkens is one of the favourites in his Volvo C30 ERC Touring Car, but he will face stiff opposition from Jarrow's Michael Boak (Audi TT TDI), Devonian Alan Tapscott (RWD Corsa) and York starlet Ash Simpson (Lotus Exige). Jamie Bird makes the trip up from the south coast in his V6 Renault Clio, as does Stuart Emery in his Peugeot 206, but the Honda Civics of Bruce Bamber and Shelley Wakeling cannot be ruled out.

In addition to the Grand Prix tomorrow, most drivers will be contesting today's final round of the Quaife MSA British Rallycross Championship.

Adult ticket prices are £8 today and £15 tomorrow or £18 for a weekend ticket. For more information visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk.