Paul Swift relishes return to action at Croft Circuit's traditional festive rallies

TV stunt man and motorsport all-rounder Paul Swift can’t wait to get back into competitive action at Croft Circuit’s traditional festive rallies - but he’s had to enlist the help of a babysitter to make it happen.

The autotest legend from Darlington, also an accomplished rally, rallycross and saloon car driver, will compete in both the Swift Signs Christmas Stages Rally on Sunday and the Autogas/Cartersport Jack Frost Stages Rally on Sunday, January 18.

Sunday’s Northallerton AC-organised rally will be his first competitive outing of 2014 - but it’s nonetheless been a hectic year for Swift.

Having starred at the world famous Goodwood Festival of Speed and performed all over the world at packed stadiums with his Paul Swift Precision Driving Show, including Top Gear Live, the seven-time British autotest champion and multiple Guinness World Record holder has been absent from the competitive arena while he and his JBM Team have built a new car during 2014.

But on Sunday at Croft he’ll be back - partnered by fiancee Jessica Bell, who gave birth to their son, Bradley in June.

Swift will debut his Millington-engined Ford Escort Mk 2 this weekend before returning three weeks later for Darlington and District MC’s annual rally.

And the pair - who get married in May - are hoping for for a good result.

“It’s been a very busy year what with all the shows and building a new car but also a very memorable one with the arrival of Bradley who is nearly six months old already,” said Swift.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and competing alongside Jessica in the new car, especially at my local Croft Circuit.

“Thanks as ever to the sponsors for making it possible and hopefully we can put on a good show as there’s likely to be a big crowd at both events.”

North-east fans can also see Swift in non-competitive action when he takes part in the Top Gear Live show at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on February 21.

“I’ll be performing some of my usual stunts in a show not to be missed,” he added.