THE running of the 2007 Vospers Tour of Cornwall Rally on March 23 and 24 sees the biggest event of its type in the south-west of England celebrating its 20th birthday.

Organised by Camel Vale, Newquay and Truro Motor Clubs, the first event took place in 1987 and has only missed one year - 2001 - when much of the UK's rallying was decimated by the outbreak of foot and mouth.

The winner of the first "Tour" was Somerset driver Dave Wilkes in his Vauxhall Chevette, co-driven by Stuart Lacey. In the interim, Dave's son, Julian has made quite a name for himself at the wheel of a 1400cc Vauxhall Nova. Under the watchful eye of his father, Julian totally dominated his class in the 2005 National Asphalt Rally Championship - which included a class win on the Tour of Cornwall! - and he went on to take the front-wheel drive category in the series, beating a host of more powerful cars to the title.

The 20th Tour of Cornwall, sponsored once again by Vospers, is based at the Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, near St. Austell, and the first car will leave there at 7 pm on Friday, March 23, for a number of special stages prior to an overnight halt. Competition resumes at 8 am on Saturday, March 24, and then the formalities conclude with the awards presentation at Pentewan Sands at 10 pm that evening.

Regulations are available from the entries secretary: Tracie Menear - tel 01208 269024 / or e-mail jamestracie@menear.eclipse.co.uk