CASTLE Combe will mark the fifth anniversary of the passing of circuit saviour Howard Strawford by hosting their traditional season opener on Monday.

An action packed programme of 12 races has been scheduled for Monday, April 2, as Castle Combe Circuits hosts ‘Howards’ Day’.

Strawford turned the fortunes of the race track around, leaving an ever-lasting legacy and for the first time in its history, the circuit will host the BMW Car Club’s first ever race.

Other events to take place on the day are the Saloon Car Championship, GT Car Championship, Formula Ford 1600 Championship and the Hot Hatch Challenge.

With close to 100 race entries from across the west country, all eyes will be on last year’s saloon car champion Simon Thornton-Norris of Holt.

Former GT Champion Oliver Bull of Bristol and Yatton Keynell’s Formula Ford driver Luke Cooper are also expected to be in the mix for a podium position in their respective events.

Backing up the circuit’s own races are the 750 Motor Club Formula Vee Championship and the 750 Motor Club Locost Championship.

Both of these visiting championships have star-studded grids and add a different element to the Easter line-up.

Qualifying for all events starts at 8.30am before a free BMW Car Club grid walk between 11.30am and 12.30pm. Racing gets underway at 12.30pm before the flag falls on the final race of the day at 5.40pm.

Entry is £10 while under 17s go free. Visit castlecombecircuit.co.uk for further information.

Jimmy McRae and Russell Brookes, who dominated the RAC MSA British Open Rally Championship in the 1980s will recreate those battles at Rallyday at the Castle Combe circuit on Saturday, September 22.

Tickets can be purchased at rallyday.com and are still priced at £15 per adult (U17s admitted free with an accompanying adult) until March 31 after which they rise to £18 per adult.