STEVE Head and Jonny Grisedale will be hoping for third-time lucky on next weekend’s Coppermines Grizedale Stages Rally.

Held on gravel tracks in and around Grizedale Forest, the December 3/4 event begins with a seven -mile stage in complete darkness on Friday night. This will be followed by six daylight tests on Saturday with two service halts at Skelwith Fold.

Head, from Burton-in-Kendal, teamed up with Kendal-based Grisedale in 2004 with Steve driving Jonny’s Vauxhall Nova.

Unfortunately their first Grizedale rally ended early in a ditch, but time is a great healer and Jonny agreed to jump back into the co-drivers’ seat last year. However, there was one condition - Steve had to use his own car!

Using a recently acquired Vauxhall Astra they found themselves comfortably inside the top 20 until a wheel parted company at the end of the third stage.

“We managed to finish the stage but the car was too badly damaged to continue,” rued Head.

This year they will return in Head’s Vauxhall Astra GSI.

“The Astra isn’t the most competitive car in its class, but we’re planning to give it a good go. Its been ten years since I won the event,” (partnered by Andrew Dugdale in a hired Mitsubishi Evo),”So it’d be nice to get another decent result.”

Steve and Jonny’s preparations have been assisted by the backing of Hawkshead Brewery. “Another sponsor is great news,” Jonny grins, “But to have a beer producer on board is fantastic. Steve’s already asked if the deal includes product support for the night after the rally!”

Along with their Hawkshead ‘Thirst Aid’ the duo are hoping for a strong finish to pay back the continued sponsorship from Burton Roofing, Hargreaves Vauxhall of Kendal and WDP Architects.

Does the Friday night stage intimidate the crew? “Not at all,” replies Steve. “Inbetween the odd Stage event I compete in Road Rallies, which take place through the night. I’ve been down to Wales several times this year, including a third place finish on the PK Memorial Rally in June.

“That event included some forestry tests, so we’re well prepared. In fact the night stage could be a good opportunity to catch the others napping, especially if the conditions are tricky.”

“I’ve been told that Steve is under strict instructions to finish,” says Jonny, “But I know him too well. As soon as the first stage begins the red mist will be down.”

For pre-rally news, event information and live results on the day visit the website at www.grizedalestages.co.uk