PICK OF THE DAY SATURDAY/Rallying

PICK OF THE DAY

SATURDAY/Rallying

Winter Rally

Bournemouth

The new, self-built Ford Escort Cosworth of Chris Mellors, the Mintex National Rally champion, will be first off the ramp tomorrow when he opens the seven-round series at the Winter Rally in Bournemouth. The Chesterfield driver is attempting to become the first man to win the title three times and he must be fancied to gain a head start as his two main rivals last year, the Scots David Gillanders, who was runner-up, and Murray Grierson are unable to contest the first round. For the first time this year, a bonus for spectators, four classes of historic vehicles will be raced.

Where to watch: Today: Scrutineering at Two Rivers Meet Leisure Centre, Christchurch, Dorset from noon to 6pm. Admission: pounds 2 (all proceeds to charity). Tomorrow: 8am start from Richmond Hill, Bournemouth. Special stage 1 (first car 8.03am) and SS9 (12.33pm): through the Lower Gardens, Bournemouth, and on to the Promenade (commentary, catering, toilets, Harry Ramsden's fish and chips). SS6 (10.40am) and SS14 (2.16pm): Ringwood Forest, west side of B3081 off A31 (catering, trade stands, spectator car park 500m from stage). SS7 (11.03am) and SS13 (2.16pm): Uddens Forest, north of A31 Ferndown by-pass (catering, spectator car park). Service Area: 9.08am, 12.08pm, 1.48pm and 3.45pm at King's Park, Bournemouth. Finish: 5.30pm. Spectator rover ticket at pounds 5, available from the Rally HQ at Wessex Hotel today or any of the spectator car parks tomorrow. This admits vehicle and pasengers to all Forestry Commission rally car parks. Awards ceremony: 10pm at Wessex Hotel (films and stage show).