2009 Toyota Sprint Series champion Jonny Milner will defend his national title in a car that remains a closely guarded secret.

Yorkshireman Milner plans to unveil the car at the first round of the 2010 championships at Rockingham on 21st March.

Refusing to be drawn about the car’s identity and detail, the normally chatty former double rally champion will only divulge that; “It’s called Extreme Merlin and it is Extreme with a capital E…it will look stunning and go quick.”

The mystery car, supported by Merlin International and Anglo American Oil Company Ltd, had been built from a bare shell and will be powered by Sunoco Race Fuels GT Plus. 

Milner won the 2009 series in a Celica GT4 after a faltering start that saw him suffer engine failure in round one but then claimed five consecutive wins in the remaining events to take the title.

The 1.3 mile course at Rockingham is a demanding, fast smooth tarmac with big braking zones, tight bends and technical sections that will challenge both cars and drivers.

Jonny’s success in the 2009 Sprint Series encouraged him to resume his rallying career for the first time since his back to back wins in 2002/3. He finished sixth in the first round of the 2010 MSA National Gravel Rally Championships in Bournemouth and will be back in rallying action on 23rd April in Cumbria.