There is a virtual invasion of Britain this weekend by very talented and highly-motivated Irish drivers competing hard for honours in motor racing, rallycross and auto-test events.

Thirteen of Ireland's leading Formula Ford Zetec drivers will be in action at Brands Hatch in the prestigious World Finals tomorrow and Sunday, and there are a number of potential winners among them. Noel Dunne, Mark McKenna and Jeff Wright would certainly fancy their chances. There is some doubt about whether Wright will compete, and if he does not it would be a pity, as the young Ulster driver has the potential to win on the Kent circuit.

But who will be the Irish champion? That's the burning question following Wright's exclusion from the results of the final championship race. The title now lies between Dunne and McKenna. The outcome is to be decided by the Irish Formula Ford Association at Brands Hatch, probably today.

Ireland will be represented in the annual Nations Cup for Formula Opel this weekend at Donington Park by Vivion Daly and Mark Kershaw. The two Irishmen have a mountain to climb against the big-budget professionals from the Euroseries. The highest finish to date for Ireland was 7th last year.

Two Irish teams are hot favourites for victory in tomorrow's International Ken Wharton Autotests at Alcester in Warkwickshire. Eamonn Byrne, Chris Grimes, Ronnie Griffin and Frank Lenehan have what it takes in skill and concentration to make it a sixth win for the Republic. Northern Ireland has had a strong grip on this event, and the quartet of Robert Dickson, Davey Boyce, Sam Bowden and Eric Patterson will be aiming for a repeat of last year's win.

All-time Hewison Trophy winner Dermot Carnegie switches from autotests to rallycross to contest the final round of the British Championship at Croft, near Darlington in Durham. Carnegie has twice won the British Rallycross Championship and is positioned to finish second this year behind confirmed winner Will Gollop. Sunday's Circuit of Wicklow starts from Greystones, and the route to Blessington via the Sally Gap includes a stage near Roundwood, followed by further forestry stages in the Blessington-Lacken area and a final stage at Roundwood before the Greystones finish. The Tipperary Raceway at Rosegreen, Cashel, hosts the European Final of the Hot Rod Racing Championship. Euro title holder and World Championship winner Ricky Hunn will take part.