Tomorrow sees the start of the 2011 Legend Fires North West Stages, the region’s premier multi-venue tarmac rally, when thousands of motorsport fans from throughout the UK converge upon Lancashire for their fill of high-speed action.

More than 100 cars will start the two-day event that features special stages on Blackpool and Fleetwood promenades and is the subject of an hour-long TV programme.

Tomorrow’s leg of the rally comprises four stages but the outcome of these will determine Saturday’s running order.

The first Blackpool Promenade stage starts at Anchorsholme and there’s some excellent viewing with live commentary at the double hairpins opposite the Norbreck Castle Hotel, the rally headquarters.

The opening part of Saturday’s first pair of Blackpool stages follows a similar pattern to Friday’s tests but instead of finishing at Bispham extends all the way to Gynn Square.

The final pair of Blackpool stages on Saturday afternoon sees crew head south to north in a reverse of Friday’s tests.

With no fewer than 76 timed to the second competitive miles spread over 24 special stages choosing a winner is no easy task but the likelihood is that one of a quartet of top running cars will succeed.

Stephen Simpson has won this event no fewer than on five previous occasions, four times in this Hyundai Accent WRC.

He has a new co-driver for this year’s event in the shape of Simon Hunter and his car boasts a stunning new Ken Block-esque style livery.

Tony Bardy and Reg Smith, winners in 2009 in their ex-Tommi Mäkinen Nissan Sunny GTi-R, will be battling with North-East rivals Kevin Proctor and Dave Bellerby in the ex-Richard Burns Subaru Impreza WRC.

The Stojanov brothers Peter and Tim, won in 2002 in a MG Metro 6R4 but drive more modern machinery nowadays in the form of a Subaru Impreza WRC S12, probably the most modern rally weapon on the event. Others to watch out for include Mark Holmes and Tony Lindsay who finished third in 2009 in their MG Metro 6R4.