The third round of the 2009 UK Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge sees competitors head to Kielder Forest for the second time in as many events, the Pirelli Tour of Cumbria on 18th April utilising a different part of the massive man-made forest on the Scottish Borders from that of last month’s round two, the Border Counties Rally.

Top-seeds in the Evo Challenge line-up are twice-winners this season, Daniel Barry and co-driver Martin Brady. Although having recorded a 100% success rate so far, the Irish pair are not taking a third win for granted as the competition has been so close, added to which Kielder Forest can often throw a curved-ball into the equation.

Next to cross the start-line will be Simon Hughes/Craig Parry, who’s previous pace suggests that a win is on the cards before too long. They are eager to record their first Evo Challenge victory in order to keep their title hopes on track.

Following the tragic death of their Chief Engineer Rex Paddock in a Microlite crash last week, Nik Elsmore/Craig Drew will start the event in sombre mood, but are determined to continue rallying and do the best they can in honour of their much respected team member.

Getting quicker by the mile are number four seeds Owen Murphy/Dai Roberts. Currently third in the championship, they are another crew who are in contention for the top-spot and are destined to be challenging for the lead this weekend.

Fresh from finishing second in the Irish Evo Challenge last week, Alan Carmichael/Ivor Lamont are the next Mitsubishi crew to start. This event will see the UK debut for their new Lancer Evolution IX, which has already proved quicker than their old car on asphalt and will now be put to the test on gravel.

Starting and finishing from Carlisle Racecourse, the Pirelli Tour of Cumbria features eight timed special stages and a competitive distance of just under 70 miles. As well as the third round of the Evolution Challenge, the event also hosts round three of the MSA Gravel Rally Championship and sees an entry of 20 cars - the Mitsubishi series representing 25% of the National A category field. The event also includes an international section which features round two of the MSA British Rally Championship.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge is supported by Mitsubishi Motors UK, Ralliart, Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JR Motorsports, Speedline Corse wheels, Carbone Lorraine brakes, Walkinshaw Performance, Sparco racewear and PIAA lights - who sponsor the junior award for under 25-year old drivers.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge entries (in start number order)
304 Daniel Barry (Enniskerry)/Martin Brady (Navan)
305 Simon Hughes (Abergle)/Craig Parry (Llanymynech)
307 Nik Elsmore (Coleford)/Craig Drew (Bream)
308 Owen Murphy (Cork)/Dai Roberts (Carmarthen)           
309 Alan Carmichael(Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena)

Championship positions after round two
Drivers
1  Daniel Barry 24
2  Simon Hughes 20
3  Owen Murphy 14
4  Nik Elsmore 13
5  Alan Carmichael 12
6  Andreas Magnusson  8
7  Neil Armstrong 4
           
Co-drivers
1  Martin Brady 24
2  Dai Roberts 14
3  Craig Drew 13
4  Ivor Lamont  12
5  Patrick Walsh 10
6  Craig Parry 10
7  Henrik Hulterskog  8
8  Max Ferri 4