One of Britain's best motor racing drivers is set to attend the Bradford Classic Car Show in a major boost for the event, it was revealed today.

Defending double British Touring Car Champion, Matt Neal, has added his name to the growing list of attractions lined up for this year's show, which is organised by Bradford Council.

Mr Neal, who became the first driver in 21 years to win back-to-back drivers' championship titles last year, will bring his impressive Team Halfords Honda Civic S2000 to Centenary Square on Saturday, July 21.

Mr Neal's attendance was secured by the classic car show's sponsor Yorkshire Bank, which is one of the Team Halfords sponsors.

Mr Neal is currently battling to land his third consecutive crown. He also won the British Racing Drivers Club Silver Star in 2006 for outstanding achievement in national racing.

Councillor Andrew Mallinson, head of the district's regeneration, said: "It is another huge boost for us and everyone involved in making the classic car show bigger and better, and I'm sure his competition car will be a big draw on the day, as will all the other great cars that have registered."

David Gold, senior partner at Yorkshire Bank's Bradford financial solutions centre, said: "The competition car on its own proved to be a fantastic draw last year, but we wanted to do more this year to help take the event to another level.

"We approached Matt Neal and he immediately agreed to attend for the day on Saturday, July 21, which is great news for the event and Bradford."

On the second day of the event, flaming exhausts and burning tyres will screech round Odsal's Grattan stadium when rally cars which were banned after a series of crashes in the 70s and 80s make a super-charged comeback.

About 15,000 people are expected to attend the special performance by Slowly Sideways' Group B rally cars.

Also on hand to show off his skills behind the wheel will be Russ Swift who regularly appears on television performing stunts in his Mini.

Tickets, priced £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £15 for a family, are available from the Bradford Bulls ticket hotline on 08701 202 040.

A fundraising Tribute to Rallying dinner will take place on the Saturday evening at the Hilton Hotel when rare motoring memorabilia will go under the hammer to raise money for the Lord Mayor's Appeal and two of motorsport's favourite sons through the Richard Burns Foundation and the Michael Park Fund.

Other events include a photographic exhibition of some rare BMW Art Cars from world renowned artists including Bradford's David Hockney at the Great Victoria Hotel.