Preview, round six: Conister Trust Manx Historic RallyThe HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge makes its Isle of Man debut for round six, the Conister Trust Manx Historic Rally (28-30 July). With over 150 miles of challenging closed road stages in two and a half days of asphalt rallying, the Manx is a mighty test for the Classic crews.For the crew currently leading the championship race, the Manx is their home event. Martin Freestone and Chris Heyes are both Manx-based, with Freestone living within a couple of miles of the opening stage of the rally! That should serve them well in their Escort Mk2 and they have already tackled the Manx National rally this year.Local knowledge should certainly be a factor, for their main rival is new to the island. Although his co-driver Ryland James has Manx experience, Gareth Lloyd has never been to the island before, so the Escort Mk2 driver is going to be on a steep learning curve. However, Gareth has rallied in Ireland in recent times, so he is certainly familiar with pace note asphalt rallies.Meanwhile, chasing the leading duo will be the ex-Roger Clark Escort Mk2 of Dick Slaughter, who has enlisted the skills of Liz Jordan to call the pace notes. Darren and Alec Morris (Escort Mk2) complete the class D5 entries.In with a serious chance of overall Classic victory will be the Triumph TR7V8 of Stephen Hall/Aggie Foster, a winner over the tarmac of Epynt earlier in the season. Making a welcome championship debut will be another TR7V8 in the hands of Michael and David Pedley.Class D3 has been dominated so far by father and son Mark and Brett Clifford in their Escort Mk2. But the Manx will be a new challenge to them and a brace of Opel Kadett GTEs will be pressing the Escort. Back on the Classic trail after missing a couple of events, and likely to shine, is the Opel of Bryan Gill/Nigel Hutchinson, while Robin Morgan/Louise Towers are also back out with their Kadett.