THOUSANDS of motorsport fans will savour the growling roar of engines as their idols line up on a North-East starting grid tomorrow.

The British Touring Car Championships are again coming to Croft Circuit, near Darlington, for a weekend of high-speed thrills and spills.

Devotees of the country's premier saloon car series are expected to flock to the arena tomorrow and on Sunday.

More than 15,000 fans will gather at the circuit over the weekend, coming from across the UK and Europe.

Events organiser Claire Jones said advance tickets sales were up on last year, a result of an increase in the sport's popularity.

She said: "We had 15,000 last year, but we are really expecting more than that this weekend, although it is difficult to predict because a lot depends on the weather."

As well as touring cars, spectators will be able to see Formula Fords, Porsches, Renault Clios, Formula Renaults and Legend cars on the track.

The expected crowds will bring early morning chaos to the roads of the northern part of North Yorkshire, prompting police to warn motorists to remain calm.

A spokesman said: "We would urge people to set off in plenty of time and to be patient, there are enough racers on the track without us needing any on the roads.

"And people will have to remember that it is not easy getting in or out of a race circuit that is accessed by going down country roads."

Ms Jones said: "There are inevitably queues of traffic, but last year it was not a standstill.

"We are just asking people to be sensible, but most people who come are aware that there are sometimes queues."

North-Easterners will be pinning their hopes on Sunderland-born Warren Hughes and York driver James Thompson, who last year gained the fastest race lap and fastest qualifying time.

Irish Honda driver Alan Morrison, the fastest driver in free practice, said: "I think we could be up for a good weekend at Croft.

"We have done some testing at Croft and showed some good form, so if we can do that again, there is no reason why we cannot be at the front again after qualifying."

The gates open at 9am each day, and the events will finish at between 5.30pm and 6pm each day.