Peugeot 206 Super Cup: ENGINE problems sidelined the efforts of Darlington rally driver Paul Swift in last weekend's round of the Peugeot 206 Super Cup.

The 23-year-old, backed by Specsavers, and co-driver Alyson Marlow started strongly in the Harry Flatters Rally near Brecon in Wales.

However, despite high hopes, the duo were forced to retire with an overheating engine, despite the support of Smith & Allan Oils and Darlington Peugeot dealership, Williamson Motors.

"It was really disappointing to be out of the rally,'' said Paul. "We stopped to ensure we did no further damage to the engine and now it's a case of getting the car ready for the next round in Ireland at the beginning of September.''

Porsche Carrera Cup GB

Teesside teenager Jonathan Cocker is setting his sights on securing a podium place in the 13th and 14th rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Snetterton this weekend (9 August) in a bid to boost his championship position.

Currently lying in fifth place, 16-year-old Cocker will fight for a top three finish to move him up the championship standings as the season reaches its final stages, with three more meetings after Snetterton at Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Oulton Park.

Having recently secured a sponsorship deal with Knaresborough-based specialist Porsche dealer Autoclassica, Cocker is already receiving tremendous support in this, his first season in the Porsche Carrera Cup. To celebrate his success this season so far, and to show his appreciation of the support he has received from his new sponsors, Cocker is hosting a track day at Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on 5 August.

Autoclassica is providing three cars for the day worth in excess of £260,000, which clearly shows its trust in the 16-year-old's driving ability. Specially invited guests will be able to get behind the wheel of a number of different cars including a Porsche GT2 and a Porsche 993 RS.

Just last month, Cocker made history at Silverstone, being the youngest driver ever to compete in the prestigious Porsche Michelin Supercup, which was a support race to this year's British Grand Prix.

With growing interest from national media including Sky News and the BBC, Jonathan Cocker is fast becoming a hot rod in the world of motor sport - even though he isn't yet old enough to drive himself!

Cocker said: "With the backing of Autoclassica for the rest of the season, I feel even more confident that I can move up the championship table again at Snetterton. I am looking forward to another close race."

Classic Racing Motorcycle Club

Croft Circuit near Darlington will echo to the sound of yesteryear once again when the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club hold their annual meeting over three days this weekend starting today.

And with the sport's governing body, the Auto Cycle Union, celebrating its centenary this year, riders will be competing for an additional trophy with the addition of the ACU 100 Handicap Race.

The format for the event will see one hundred Classic and Post Classic riders selected to compete from various categories with heats being run on Friday afternoon to determine the grid for Saturday's final. The race will be handicapped to allow the smaller engine sizes a chance against the bigger bikes and the top three riders will be awarded trophies and garlands.

Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of action with no less 21 classes, both solo and sidecar, set to be fought out around the 2.13 mile full circuit and with top riders such as Lea Gourlay, Mike Hose, Phil Sharpe, Allan Oversby and Colin Breeze in the entry, the racing is bound to be fast and furious.

Practice starts on Friday and Saturday at 9.30am and 12.00 noon on Sunday with racing immediately afterwards on all three days. Adult admission is just £6.00 on Friday and Saturday and £12.00 on Sunday with accompanied children under 15 admitted free.