DAVE Shuttleworth usually drives through Grizedale Forest at a snail's pace, dragging timber on his 25-tonne Forwarder.

But on Saturday, the forester will be swapping his Forwarder for a revamped rally car to race at speeds of more than 100mph in the Coppermines Grizedale Stages Rally.

"I normally go totally slow," says 32-year-old Dave who is in the top 12 seeded drivers.

"And it does get a bit frustrating sometimes, being in the Forwarder or the eight-wheel drive.

"The buzz of being able to race in the rally is amazing. When everything starts flowing and the car starts responding well, it's a really good feeling."

When the 100-plus compet-itors line up for the race, no one will know the terrain they face better than Dave.

He has spent 15 years working in Grizedale and even lives in the forest on a small farm with his partner, who also works for the Forestry Commission.

But Dave reckons there are advantages and disadvantages.

"Everyone gets given the same notes on the race. Sometimes it is an advantage when you are familiar with the territory but sometimes I think knowing where all the bad spots are can make you cautious."

David and his navigator Simon Megaw last competed in the Malcolm Wilson Rally at the start of March this year.

Following retirement from the rally with engine and clutch problems they decided on a total engine rebuild.

Their Mitsubishi Evo 4 now has an Evo 8 engine.

The engine upgrade includes a bearing conversion on the turbo which allows the duo to run higher turbo boost, giving them a more responsive throttle and speed out of corners.

This competitive edge will be vital to do battle against the high number of World Rally Cars entered.

"With a new engine, the car is the best it's ever been so hopefully, all things being well, I'd like to think we'd at least be in the top five."

And he knows he'll have huge support from all his colleagues in the forest.

Mark Hartnett, the Forestry Commission's Rally Co-ord-inator, is one of those who will rooting for Dave.

He says: "This is the 18th year that the rally has been run at Grizedale. It's always been a thrilling event but it's particularly exciting for us to have someone from the Forestry Commission among the competitors.

"We'll all be willing him and Simon on to victory on Saturday."

The first car gets away from Coniston at 9.15am and the last car is expected back by 4pm, with the awards presentation taking place at Coniston Institute, starting at 6pm.

Spectators are catered for by four car parks at High Barn, High Cross, Machells Coppice and Low Bowkerstead (there is also a disabled car park), and for further details see the official rally website at: www.grizedalestages.co.uk.