A good indicator is that, despite the economic downturn, the number of exhibitors already exceeds last year`s total and applications are still coming in. The same is true of web sales for spectator tickets and it is worth remembering that - for tickets purchased before 31 March - the buyer`s name is entered into a draw for free rides in rally cars on the Chatsworth stages.

One of the main attractions of the Show has always been the History of Rallying and this year`s line-up is as exciting as one could wish. All the cars come from the golden years of rallying and are demonstrated at Chatsworth by their owners or, in some cases, by champion drivers from that same golden age. For example, Louise Aitken-Walker, ex-Ladies World Rally Champion, is due to drive a ex-works Sunbeam Talbot Lotus in the History of Rallying.

Among the cars appearing in that demonstration are the crowd-pleasing Audi quattros of John Hanlon - his is the Sport quattro with which Michele Mouton tackled Pike`s Peak - Gary Midwinter with his fearsome Sport quattro E2 and the Opel Manta 400 of Gary Gee, all representing Group B.

Then there are the Ford Escort RS1600 of Mark Solloway, the ex-works Datsun 240Z of Kevin Bristowe and the ex-works Triumph TR7 V8 of Steve Rockingham, all representing Group 4.

There are also newcomers, like Doug Allen from the USA with his replica 1964 Monte Carlo Ford Falcon Futura Sprint, Pat Horan from Eire with his Fiat 131 Abarth in Alitalia livery, Ali Serpen with his ex-works MG Metro 6R4, Tim Bendle with the truly unique Group B Lada VFTS and Dave Kedward with the ex-works Paris-Dakar Peugeot 405 T16 Grand Raid.

As usual, incorporated in the rest of the Show will be individual demonstrations from star drivers of today and champions of yesterday. The full list of overseas rally stars is not yet complete, but of particular interest to British fans is the fact that Russell Brookes, British Rally Champion in 1977 and 1985, and Tom Cave, a potential British - or even World - champion will both be driving at Chatsworth. Entries for the individual rally events, which this year include a Nations Cup, are also coming in well with 20 competitors already signed-up for a variety of events, catering for historic rally cars through to WRCars.

Apart from almost non-stop special stage action of one kind or another over the two days of the Show, there will plenty of other things to see. The RAF Hawk Display Team from RAF Valley on Anglesey will be coming to the Show, or rather to the skies above it. Their full-time mission is to train the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy combat pilots of the future and the display will show just what the aeroplanes and their two-man crews can do.

On the ground, Motorsport News is supporting a display of rally cars covering all the models which have been used by the 16 World Rally Champions on the way to their titles since the World Rally Driver`s championship was established in 1979.

And there is the possibility for participation too. We already mentioned that people who buy tickets before 31 March can win a ride in a rally car on the stages, but they can also try their hand at driving a trials car. A fun fair, trade stands, car club displays, food and drink vendors and the freedom to roam through the service park and around the spectator stages should prevent any feeling of boredom over the weekend. And, for those whose feet may get a bit tired, there is always the innovation of grandstands at the Chatsworth Rally Show. Go on-line and look for the latest information at www.therallyshow.org

For all further information, please contact:
The Rally Show Ltd
PO Box 6168
Reading RG19 9DS
Tel: 01189 710424
Fax: 01189 710331
Email: office@therallyshow.org
Website: www.therallyshow.org

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