With entries still open for next months Chris Kelly Memorial Stages sponsored by Mann Construction, the first Isle of Man stage rally of the year is shaping up to attract some of the UK’s leading asphalt drivers. Blackburn’s John Stone has already submitted his entry for the February 11th & 12th event in the stunning Skoda Fabia WRC, and it’ll be the first run for the car following an on-going, extensive overhaul at Dutch specialist Erik Wevers’ workshops. With local co-driver Rob Fagg on the notes, the challenge is definitely down to the home drivers, and the ‘buzz’ is that many of the leading crews from the MSA National Asphalt Championship could also head over the Irish Sea, making it an unofficial pre-series warm up. Of the 20 entries in so far no fewer than 14 are from off-island crews, as the popularity of ‘clubmans’ closed roads rallying on the island grows rapidly. Only last week that was enhanced with the announcement that Motors TV will be taking coverage of the rally for the first time. The rally is also making its debut as a round of the ANWCC Stage Rally Championship. Other names already on the entry list include Cockermouth’s Richard and Andy Barnard (Subaru), top historic crew Adrian Kermode and Maurice Beckett (Porsche), Appleby’s Stuart Egglestone (Vauxhall Astra), and the Mitsubishi’s of Andrew Terrington and John Wood from the North West. North Wales crews are regular visitors, with Hugh Jones’ crowd-pleasing Escort listed alongside Ian Jones’ Citroen C2, while other returning friends of Manx rallying include Blackburn’s Chris and Heidi Woodcock, who switch from their regular Mitsubishi to a Proton Compact, Yorkshire’s Kevin Jaffrey and Manchester’s David Coulson. The home crews traditionally leave placing their entry till late, but already on the list for the Eurocars Motorsport.com Manx Rally Championship opener are Andrew Leece and Graham Fargher (Mitsubishi Evo 6), winners of last years Duke Stages, and Tim Collins and Paul McCann in a new Evo 9. Entries for the rally, which allows reconnaissance of the stages, close at the reduced early rate this coming Friday, 28th January, and at the full rate next Tuesday, 1st February. Full details, regulations, entry forms and ferry/hotel deals can be found at www.manxautosport.org The event is an ideal pre-season opportunity for crews wanting to test, with multiple use of stages. The opening night features nine tests in darkness with centralised servicing at the TT Grandstand, while Saturday brings a full day of eight further daylight stages, with the rally finishing in Ramsey’s Market Square. Throw in the banter at the post event presentation and it’s a weekend you just have to try!. Ends