MINI man Steve Entwistle will be looking to consolidate his lead in the HRCR Clubmans Rally Championship this weekend.

The Rishton driver starts Saturday’s Ross Traders Historic aiming for a fourth successive class win in the ex-Roy Mapple Orangebox Mini.

That consistency has put Entwistle into the lead of Britain’s top rally series for historic cars - and he can’t wait to get on to the start line.

“Most of the tests are on gravel in the Forest of Dean, which I’m really looking forward to,” he said.

“The loose surface can be a power-leveller as the Porsches and Escorts can struggle for grip.”

Organised by Ross and District Motor Club, the event comprises 155 miles of lanes in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, split into six regularities and 10 special tests.

Entwistle and mapman Matt Fowle are seeded at car four, ahead of them are Matt and Howard Warren, in a Ford Escort and Porsche 911 respectively.

Top seeds are Jim Deacon and Iain Tullie in an MGB.

  • Steve Entwistle is sponsored by Mini Sport of Padiham and Bowker BMW Preston.