NIGEL Worswick does not usually make predicitions - especially when it comes to rallying.

But the Blackburn engineer has set himself a target for this weekend's Malcolm Wilson Rally - "To set the record straight and win it."

Worswick's desire to claim top spot in the popular event stems from a close call in 1979 when the driver almost upset the odds against a host of quicker machinery and more experienced drivers.

"I was young and started 56th in a mark one Ford Escort."

"I just really went for it and at lunch was leading! I lost some time in a ditch, but still managed to claim eighth position and ever since I have wanted to win the event.

"It would give me a great deal of pleasure," added Worswick, who will be competing in his Allen Bradley and Michelin backed Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4. "The car is as good as ever. The engine has been tested and I've changed the gear-box so I'm definitely ready," said Worswick.

But the Blackburn man does not expect everything to go his way and has pin-pointed a trio of drivers who might spoil the party.

"Jouko Puhakka is coming over from Finland in a works Volkswagen Golf and has had some Group N success this year.

"Bob Green (Ford Escort Cosworth) as defending champion will be on the pace and John Thompson (Ford Escort Cosworth) will also pose a threat," said Worswick. However Worswick feels he has the knowledge and skill to come out on top after battling through the 10 stages, held in and around Cockermouth in Cumbria.

"The stages in the Lake District are really tough. They have everything, but you need to be on the ball to get through unscathed," added Worswick, who will team up with long-term navigator Clive Molyneux for the event.

One factor that could ruin Worswick's plans is the weather and he will be hoping any snow in the air will hold off for a day.

"Michelin have supplied me with some FB71 soft compound tyres and they could give me as much as one or two seconds a stage.

"But if it snows I'm in trouble. I don't have any snow tyres and I'll be stuck," he said. Worswick is going into the event on the back of a win in the Charnock Richard Stages and is using this weekend's challange as a springboard for the rest of the season.

"If everything goes well I could well enter the Vauxhall Rally of Wales and maybe the Pirelli. I will just have to wait and see," he said.

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