Threshfield rally driver Will Midgley sets out on the ANCC 2013 Forest Challenge this weekend by competing in the Riponian Rally, based in Thirsk. After a great class win in the RAC Rally, winning the class in last year’s Riponian and clinching the overall ANCC 2012 Forest Challenge, Will is hoping for another good result in the Toyota Corolla AE86.

The car is attracting an ever-increasing fan club amongst rally followers, being a change from the regular ranks of Mark II Escorts, and is a replica of the car that his father John Midgley won the British Championship in during the 1980s.

Will is this time partnered by Paul Slingsby from Ilkley rather than Jonathan Driver who partnered in the RAC Rally.

Joining Will on the event are the other Threshfield team of Chris and James Slater, who also race a Toyota Corolla AE86.

Chris and Jim entered last year, but had a spot of bad luck early in the rally, however with good fortune they will be competitive and won their class in the second to last outing at the Grizedale Stages in 2011. Will and Paul are seeded 26 and James and Chris 28, so it should be a great competition between them.

Both teams are competing in Round One of the Forest Challenge which takes in seven rallies in total that run through to December, with the Riponian totalling 40 stage miles and 90 road miles.

This year’s ANCC Stage Championship is being sponsored by Threshfield Garage and Ravenol Oils, who are also Technical Advisors on lubricants for the 2013 British Rally Championship.