DARREN WILSON is preparing to take on the world of four-wheel-drive competition with his hand-built Suzuki jeep.

For Darren, owner of his own vehicle body shop business, Keighley Auto Painting, his love affair with the tiny Suzuki has got completely out of hand. Together with his father, Colin, he has worked night and day for four months building the competition vehicle.

"Absolutely nothing is standard, even the bodywork has been cut down," Darren said.

Under the bonnet there is a powerful 1.8 injection engine rescued from a Vauxhall Carleton executive saloon car, there is power-assisted steering, a roll cage and extra safety features designed to keep Darren and his co-driver John Bennett, of John Tune, secure when the going gets tough.

They are members of the Northern Counties Off Road Club and will take part in the first competition at Burnley this weekend.

The hobby has also become a booming business with Suzuki fans from all over the north of England beating a path to Darren's door in the search for spare parts.

"The vehicle is very special, and we are out to win the club trophy this year," Darren said.

l The Great Northern Cars Enduro Team launch their '98 season on home ground this weekend.

They will be joining other competitors at Manor House Farm on Lothersdale Road, Glusburn at for the start of their first race at 11am on Sunday morning.

Team members this year are Ian Smith, Dave Walsh and Ian Holston who joins them for the first time. All will be riding in the new colours of black, yellow, white and red, APS Signs of Haworth have also joined the team as sponsor.

Sunday's event involves three hours of non-stop racing with riders out to complete as many laps as possible.

On March 29 the team will be in action at Baltby Forest, near Thirk in the North of England Championships.

l Picture shows Darren Wilson (left) and John Bennett with their Suzuki jeep.

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