RUMBLING saloons return to Lydden on Saturday for the first event in a packed programme of 12 races organised by the South Eastern Centre of the British Automobile Racing Club.

Former rallycross champion John Cross will be making his Lydden debut in a new 6.0 Mercedes CLK which is similar to the one raced by fellow VSR driver, Paul Sheard.

The VSR Jaguar S Type which Cross raced earlier this year has been taken over by former Stock Hatch champion, Greg Rose.

All three are likely to be front-runners in the two Southern Saloons & Sports Car events.

Other guest championships include the Toyo Tyres Modified Production Saloon series, the MaX5 series for MX5 Mazda sports cars, the Manugistics TVR CC Tasmin Challenge Cup and two races for the Citroen 2CV Enduro Cup.

Six of the new Team ERA classic-style single seaters will be joining the usual Formula Ford and Clubmans cars in the BARC SEC Single Seater Series, while West Kingsdown's Rod Birley (Ford Escort WRC) should enjoy a thrilling battle with Chris Randall's M5 BMW in the two Track & Race Cars Saloon Championship events.

The meeting ends with a round of the BARC SEC 2CV Challenge which completes a hat-trick of races for the deux chevaux Citroens which never fail to provide thrilling entertainment as they screech, slither and scrape their way around the Lydden track.

Practice begins at 9am, followed by the first race at 11.30am.

Lydden Circuit is on the A2, eight miles south of Canterbury. Admission is £8 (£6 for pensioners).

Entry is free for accompanied children under 15, paddock and parking.