Competitor support for the 2004 Armajaro MSA British Historic Rally Championship is set to exceed the record set in 2003 judging by the response from prospective competitors at Autosport International.

Championship organisers, the Historic Rally Car Register, had a major presence at the event (January 8-11) and reported tremendous interest from current and prospective entrants during the four days of the annual motorsport show at the Birmingham NEC.

Championship registrations could well top the 2003 season when a total of 109 drivers and 85 co-drivers registered for the BHRC.

Aside from the return of many leading competitors from 2003, the HRCR was delighted with the number of new enquiries received. "We've had interest from 30 totally new crews," reported championship co-ordinator Brian Thomas. "It has been an excellent show," he added.

The opening round of the 2004 BHRC is once again the Alternative Sign Centre Robin Hood Historic Forest Stages Rally on March 6/7. With nearly two months still to go to the Nottinghamshire event, the organisers have already received a flood of historic entries.