Reigning Mini Cup champions Eric Davis and Russell Joseph got their 2012 campaign off to a solid start with a fine sixth overall, first in class and second Mini home on last weekend's Rally Sunseeker Historic, in the Springfield Embrodery/ Arvid Transport/ Stock Withard-backed Mini GT.

With 42 miles in the Ringwood forestry complex on offer, the duo got off to a slow start with wiper failure and then lost the rear screen, but three fastest Mini Cup times got them back into the groove, and they settled for a good points haul in the end.

Nigel Dutson and Keith Fellows took ninth overall/ second in class in their Mini GT.

In the National Rally, Ross-based Paul Morris started a busy three weeks teaming up with Daniel O'Brien and taking a fine third overall in the Focus WRC.

This weekend sees another busy weekend for local crews, with round two of the Reis/ Get-Connected BTRDA series taking place in the Lake District with Malcolm Wilson Rally.

Roger Chilman and Brian Thomas in the Securcom Impreza WRC will be chasing BTRDA points.

Nigel Jenkins and Jack Walby are hoping to build on their excellent Wyedean result in the Calico Interiors Nova as are Dan O'Brien and Paul Morris in the Focus WRC.

Sunday sees nine more local crews head for Newtown for the Rally Marketing Mid-Wales Stages.

In the Historic event opening round of the British Historic Championship, Graham Waite and Gill Cotton will be looking to challenge for category one honours in the Volvo Amazon.

Also out are Ross-on-Wye's Paul Gunter and Den Golding in the BG Landrovers Escort RS, Roger Matthews and Mike Jode in the RJ Matthews Transport Escort RS1600, Tim Phelps and Russ Joseph in the Escort RS2000, Jason Gardner and Matt Davis in the Brecon View Plumbing Escort RS 2000 and finally Ceriog Hughes on his first event for 21 years with Cliff Simmons on the notes in a Saab 96 V4.

Following behind in the main field is Bob Morgan and Ade Williams in the Winner Garage Impreza, Colin Webb and Matt Rogers will be after Welsh championship points in the Forest of Dean Tyres BMW 325.

Will Rogers teams up with quick North Walian Arwyn Lloyd-Davies in a 1400 Nova.

Pictured are Eric Davis and Russel Joseph. Photo by TWM Photography.