Competitor interest in the HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge is rapidly gathering strength as the new series heads into its second season. The series, for cars from the 1975 to 1981 era, is expected to undergo major growth over the next couple of seasons.

The Historic Rally Car Register initiative will enjoy continued support from Questmead/Mintex and Dunlop and has a seven round calendar, comprising five gravel events and two tarmac rallies. Six of the seven rounds will run in conjunction with the Armajaro MSA British Historic Rally Championship. The only non-BHRC event will be the Red Dragon Stages on 22 May when the Classics are expected to run between the 1400cc cars and the main field on the BTRDA championship round.

Having had more than a dozen cars competing during the inaugural season, more cars are currently being prepared for the coming season, including two Triumph TR7 V8s and a Rover SD1.

Series co-ordinator for the HRCR, Simon Marks, reported strong interest in the Classic Series at the recent Autosport International Show. "I met a good number of new people with eligible cars and I'm sure we are going to see an increasing number of Classics during 2004."

The Classic Challenge kicks off on March 6/7 with the Alternative Sign Centre Robin Hood Historic Forest Stages Rally.

The full calendar is as follows:

1 Robin Hood Stages (forest) March 6/7

2 Welsh Rally (tarmac) May 1/2

3 Red Dragon Stages (forest) May 22

4 Mid Wales Stages (forest) June 26/27

5 Tour of Flanders (tarmac) September 11/12

6 Trackrod Rally (forest) October 2

7 Bulldog Stages (forest) October 23