New engine for Philliskirk

Philliskirk said: "My 6R4 is very reliable, but it's like a tractor compared to cars that the BTRDA regulars are using. I've had the engine rebuilt, but it was very difficult to source another block and I've had to use a repaired one. "I like the North Humberside because it's always very demanding. There's a high quality entry - any one of the top 12 could win."

BTRDA Gold Star championship leader Graham Middleton starts second on the road behind Philliskirk, although the Hyundai Accent WRC driver believes he must push hard to maintain his advantage.

Middleton said: "The Accent is an Evo 1 so it's already old. The newer cars have more suspension travel and their engines have much more torque. As the season progresses and the rallies get faster I'm going to have to seriously upgrade the car's spec to stay on the pace."

Also entered is WRC regular Alistair Ginley, who is having his first outing of this season behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV.

Ginley said: "I'm only using the recce car. After the world championship, there's no pressure doing an event like this. "This event is a very good chance to get rid of some of the cobwebs, and coming from Yorkshire it's nice to get out and compete on my local rally in my local woods."

Top entries

Philliskirk/Evans MG Metro 6R4
Middleton/Morgan Hyundai Accent WRC
Perez/Dashfield Ford Focus WRC
Harrison/Wylie MG Metro 6R4
Bell/Spooner Ford Focus WRC
Procter/Gilby Subaru Impreza
J Perrott/Hopewell Mitsubishi Lancer E5
Champion/Simmons Mitsubishi Lancer E6
Payne/Thorley Hyundai Accent WRC
Bengry/Forsbrook Ford Focus WRC