NEWLY-CROWNED British Touring Car champion James Thompson returns 'home' this weekend eyeing up more glory.

The York-based star gets his first competitive run-out in a four-wheel drive as he tackles the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire in a turbo-charged Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.

Thompson, whose dad, David 'Piggy' Thompson won the rally in 1990, sees the Trackrod as preparation for his first crack at the Network Q Rally of Great Britain in November.

He has had plenty of time in the forests this season, driving a two-wheel drive Peugeot in between his touring car commitments, so it will be interesting to see how he fares in the Mitsubishi this time out, especially following his career high last week when he lifted the BTCC crown for the first time.

The rally - the biggest rally to be staged in Yorkshire for a decade - starts at Pickering Showground at 8am tomorrow but will be based at York Racecourse.

Hosted by Leeds-based Trackrod Motor Club, it is the seventh and final round of the Pirelli British Rally Championship and will see drivers of international class tackle the once world-famous stages in Dalby, Cropton and Langdale.

It is made up of 14 stages over tomorrow and Sunday in a festival of racing which will also comprise the Trackrod National Rally, on Saturday, and the Trackrod Clubman's Trophy, on Sunday.

Butterwick's Steve Bannister, who is among the local entry, will be hoping to repeat his great form from the Scottish Rally Championship in the National Rally. He is one of only two competitors to have won the main event, having triumphed in 1984, '85 and '88.

Updated: 10:56 Friday, September 27, 2002