The HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge is continuing to attract new cars and drivers in only its second year, and championship registrations are approaching the 20-mark with still a month to go until the second round of 2004.

"We're getting more and more enquiries all the time," reports Simon Marks, series co-ordinator for the HRCR. Well-known Kent crew Dick Slaughter/Geoff Dearing (Escort RS1800) are amongst the newcomers aiming to join the Classics for round two on Epynt in early May.

Also recently registered in an Escort Mk2 is Darren Morris, a professional rugby player from South Wales. Darren is currently under contract at Leicester RFC, and is planning to join the Classic Challenge for round three.

The new category, for cars from the 1975-81 era, had its first 2004 event on the Robin Hood Stages in March, with a dozen cars taking the start. The Classic season will resume on the International Welsh Rally on Epynt on 1/2 May, before switching back to gravel stages for the Red Dragon Stages on 22 May.