Local specialist motorsport PR company, Cartersport, have teamed up with Darlington and District Motor Club for the 2009 Cartersport Jack Frost Stages Rally which will take place at Croft Circuit on Sunday 18th January 2009.

The event will comprise up to eight stages totalling around 36 stage miles on the ribbon-smooth tarmac of the North East's only permanent race track and will be a qualifying round of The North of England Rally Championship 2009, 2009 SG Petch/ANECCC Stage Rally Championship, Borders Stage Rally Championship 2009 and ANCC Stage Rally Championship 2009.

The event has gained in popularity over the years and usually attracts a capacity ninety-car entry, including some of the top drivers in the UK. Scotch Corner preparation expert Tony Bardy holds the record of three wins from 2004 to 2006 and prior to that, Scotland's John Bogie took a double victory in his MG Metro 6R4. However, for the last two years, Yorkshireman Chris Wise has taken the honours in his MG Metro 6R4 and will be looking to make it a hat-trick on next year's event.

In addition to providing many services within the motorsport industry, Northallerton-based Cartersport look after the PR and publicity work for Croft Circuit meaning the association is mutually beneficial according to Managing Director, Larry Carter:

"I've competed on the Jack Frost Stages on a number of occasions and it's always a great event, one of which is it gives you something to look forward to in January! We do a lot of work, and also compete occasionally with Darlington and District Motor Club, and work closely with Croft Circuit also so we're delighted to be associated with the event."

Secretary of the Meeting, Terry Wright commented: "Having Cartersport on board adds a new dimension to the event. DDMC has always strived to make the event a real 'clubmans' rally with the stages designed to allow small, nimble cars to compete for overall results against the more powerful 4WD. Larry has always been an advocate of grassroots motorsport."

Scrutineering and Documentation take place the same day as the event which gets underway with the first car at 09.15 and there are classes for cars up to 1400cc, up to 1600cc, up to 2000cc, up to 2400cc and over 2400cc as well as pre-1976 classic rally cars. The entry fee is £190 and the final closing date is 5th January 2009, although competitors are advised to enter early to avoid disappointment.

For further information, please contact Terry Wright on 01325 359895 (before 21.00). Regulations and entry forms are now available at www.darlington-motor-club.org.uk