TOP class rallying takes to the North West this weekend with the Stobart Rail Pendragon Stages.

And this year's event boasts a capacity entry of 130 cars and crews, including some of the best club drivers in the UK.

"It promises to be a cracking event for competitors and spectators alike," said clerk-of-the-course Tim Foster, who lives in Oswaldtwistle.

"The rally is a round of some of the best championships in the country, and this attracts the best, fastest and most consistent crews.

"This year, we have arranged the scrutineering to coincide with the Pendragon Festival, so that spectators can watch a steady stream of cars in the marquee next to Penrith Leisure Centre from 1pm until 6pm on Saturday, before the action starts on Sunday.

"Lowther Wildlife Park is the first time spectators will see the cars driven in anger. They make two visits to the Park and will have two runs clockwise on their first visit and two runs anti-clockwise on their second.

"The fastest time over the 1.2 mile stage will be around the 1 minute 18 second mark, so stand back!

"All the cars will be going over the ramp in Penrith town centre twice, once at approx 12.00 and finally the winner will be announced on the ramp at approx 4.30pm."

The organisers have also lined up extra entertainment in Lowther, with rally legend Jimmy McRae making a special appearance.

The five-times British champion, and father of the late Colin McRae, is promoting the Colin McRae Vision charity, which supports designated children's charitable causes and also helps foster and educate young motorsport talent in the UK.

"We're delighted that Jim is coming down for the event," said Tim.

"The RS Owners Club are also putting on a display, there's a giant Stobart TV screen which has a live link to the entire stage, so that specators won't miss any of the action, and we'll be putting on a demonstration run of special rally cars.

"Gary Gee has promised to bring his ex-Guy Frequelin Opel Manta for a run, and Steve Davies will be putting his Rothmans Porsche 911 through its paces.

We've kept the admission down to £10 per car, which makes it a real value-for-money day out."

For more information visit www.pendragonstages.co.uk.