ONE of the region's most popular motorsport events is set to make a welcome return - after a hiatus of nearly three years.

The Swift Signs & Shirts Winter Stages Rally is scheduled to take place at Croft Circuit on Sunday, November 27, marking the return of top-class rallying action to North Yorkshire and the North-East.

The event, which amalgamates the format of the Christmas Stages and Jack Frost rallies which ran at the North Yorkshire track for over 20 years, is a joint venture between Northallerton Automobile Club and Darlington and District Motor Club, and will see another top-quality entry do battle in state-of-the-art machinery.

Previously, the leaseholders at Croft Circuit, the British Automobile Racing Club, had stated that such events weren’t viable for practical and financial reasons, which led to an outcry from local competitors and enthusiasts.

However, thanks to a lot of hard work by all parties concerned, the event is set to return at the end of this year.

In a statement released earlier in the week, the organisers confirmed: "On behalf of Northallerton Automobile Club Ltd and Darlington and District Motor Club Ltd, we would like to inform you about our future single venue rally plans.

"Along with Croft Circuit, both motor clubs are happy to bring you the news that on Sunday 27th of November 2022, Northallerton AC and Darlington DMC will present the Swift Signs & Shirts Winter Stages Rally at Croft circuit.

"Both clubs would like to thank Kevin Procter for his help and continued support.

"It was decided that a joint venture to preserve single venue rallying in the North-East was worth fighting for as both clubs feel strongly about this.

"However, to make this event viable and cost effective we need the backing of competitors and spectators alike.

"We desperately need people's support, however much you can, to make this the best event we know it can be.

"Operational and other associated costs have risen significantly since the last events at Croft. Therefore, the entry fee is likely to rise in line with increased running cost for the event.

"We would welcome assistance where possible in the running of the event, but most of all from competitors. We plan to run the usual 90 cars, but will need 90 cars to make the event viable.

"Spectators, we also need you to prove that you’re still interested in seeing rallying back at Croft.

"There has been a lot going on behind the scenes since both clubs were given the news 18 months ago that there would be no further rallying at Croft, so please join us and let’s make it the best day possible.

"Please watch the Facebook and social media pages of Northallerton AC and Darlington & DMC for more information."