THE Silva Stages - Lancashire's only forest rally - has a new look for 1999.

Organisers Clitheroe and District Motor Club have expanded the format of the event, which takes place next Saturday, with new stages, service area and start and finish venue.

Competitors will tackle four brand-new stages at the Leyland test track, in addition to the traditional gravel tests in Gisburn Forest, with central servicing at Gisburn Auction Mart.

And Myerscough College at Bilsborrow, Preston hosts the start and finish, together with the customary end-of-rally presentation and party.

"The addition of Leyland test track has allowed us to offer a new challenge to drivers on the Silva," said club spokesman Tim Foster.

"Gisburn Forest will provide the bulk of the action, and is hugely popular with all the competitors and spectators.

"We are hoping that the switch to Myerscough College will provide an extra dimension to the social side of the rally. There will be a presentation party in the evening, complete with disco, karaoke and late bar at the college's Stumble Inn, and we have negotiated special accommodation rates for anyone wanting to stop overnight." The club is hoping to attract around 50 competitors for the event, which counts towards seven North-west rally championships, including the ANWCC Novice, Preston College SD34, Activ-Air Conditioning ANWCC Forest, Ti Rallyschool Northern Stage, ANWCC Ladies, and RSM/Diamond Products Stage Championship.

Among the early entries - and one of the favourites for victory - is former Peugeot factory driver Kevin Furber.

The Hapton hotshot is a front-runner in this year's Peugeot 106 Cup and will drive the same car he used on last weekend's Stena Line Ulster International. Team-mate Sabrina Shaw is also expected to start.

Accrington's Chris Eastham, in the RVL Rally Hire of Oswaldtwistle Astra, is hoping to be among the top 10 after finishing 13th overall last year - on only his third ever rally.

Other entries include Nigel Slater, from Burnley, in his Scout Garage/Burnley Auto Electrics Escort MkII, Mintex contender Steve Chamberlain (Honda Civic) and Dave Beaumont.

Phil Burton, winner of the 1998 Silva, and Chris Woodcock will drive the two course cars.

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