STEVE Entwistle sets out on the trail of the HRCR Clubmans Rally Championship this weekend.

The Rishton-based driver is contesting the opening round, the Tour of Cheshire, in his famous ex-Roy Mapple Orangebox Mini.

Entwistle and his distinctive car were the surprise package last year in their debut in Britain’s premier historic rally series.

With only 1293cc and 100bhp under the bonnet, the pair frequently embarrassed rivals in more high-powered machinery such as Porsche 911s and 2-litre Ford Escorts.

The combination of Entwistle’s ‘maximum attack’ driving style, navigator Bob Hargreaves’ map skills and Orangebox’s reliability meant they led the championship for much of the season before settling for a brilliant win in the historic class and fourth overall.

“I think they’ll be ready for us this year,” said Entwistle.

“There was a lot interest in the car, especially from competitors wanting to know if it really was only 1293c.

“But I also now have experience of all the events, which I didn’t have before, and that will be a big help. Our aim is to finish in the top three and win the historic class again.”

And Entwistle has signalled his intention by enlisting last year’s winning navigator, Yorkshireman Andy Pullan, to sit alongside on the Tour of Cheshire.

The HRCR comprises nine rounds across England and Wales with six scores to count. Entwistle is contesting just six in total, meaning - if everything goes to plan - his championship will be finished by July.

“It’s a packed programme with a rally almost every three weeks, that’s a lot of pressure and we can’t afford any mistakes or retirements,” he said.

Thanks to sponsors Mini Sport of Padiham, who are backing him for a second season, Orangebox has undergone a winter rebuild.

And it’s a tribute to the build quality of their 1293cc engine, which did 11 events last year, that it just needed a service and tune-up.

Entwistle is also being backed this year by Bowker MINI of Preston.