Just a few days into the new year, the first event of Brands Hatch’s busy 2012 season takes place this Sunday.

The Chelmsford Motor Club will be returning to the Kent circuit with the TRS (Essex) Ltd Brands Hatch Stage Rally after a success inaugural event last year.

Stage rallying is an event rarely seen in the south east and the natural amphitheatre surrounding the Brands Hatch Indy circuit makes it the perfect venue to catch all of the action of this spectacular sport. Rallying also lends itself well to the winter weather, with cars and drivers equipped to deal with changing surfaces and conditions.

The rally will be bigger than last year’s event and the eight stages, utilising areas of the Indy circuit, paddock, access roads and rally stages, have been increased in length. Starting at 9:45am, the later stages will also run into darkness, with the cars distinguished by blazing headlights, flaming exhausts and glowing brake discs.

The entry list has also grown and with more than 90 cars registered, there will be a lot to look out for. From hatchbacks to purpose-built rally cars, there are also Ferrari and Aston Martin supercars featured on what will be a superb event.

Tickets for the TRS (Essex) Ltd Brands Hatch Stage Rally on 22 January are available in advance for £10 until midday Wednesday, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information, call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk.