CROFT CIRCUIT'S early-season action continues this weekend as the Midlands-based 750 Motor Club hosts an 18-race programme, writes Larry Carter.

More than 150 competitors will compete on Saturday and Sunday (May 26-27), with nine races scheduled for each day.

Salisbury Mazda driver Paul Maguire makes the long trip north after taking maximum points in the opening round of the Devanti 5Club MX5 Cup and will be hoping for more success in this weekend's three races, while the Demon Tweeks/Yokohama Locost competitors also get three outings with Camberley’s Mark Burton currently in charge.

The BMW brand is well catered for with races for the Tegiwa M3 Cup and MTEC Brakes 330 Challenge as well as the BMWCCR Series, which will see Boroughbridge driver Kirk Armitage and former Croft champion Mike Cutt, from York, taking on the series regulars.

In the Royal Purple Hot Hatch Championship, class leaders Alistair Camp (Ford Fiesta), Rodren Vella (Honda Civic) and Michael Winkworth (Citroen Saxo) will be to the fore, while single-seater action is provided by the Heritage Parts Centre Formula Vee Championship, led by Craig Pollard.

Saturday practice gets underway at 9.30am, with the nine races starting at 12.10pm. Sunday’s action starts at midday, with another nine races due to take place. Adult admission is £11 on both days (advance), or £15 on the day. Accompanied children aged 15 and under are admitted free on both days. A weekend ticket costs £18 in advance or £25 on the gate. There is also free car parking and paddock access.

Meanwhile, advance tickets for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship meeting at Croft on June 23-24 are now available, starting at £11 for adult admission. For more information, visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc.