The 2004 HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge moves to the daunting tarmac stages of the Epynt ranges for round two, the International Welsh Rally over the weekend of 1/2 May.One of the fastest growing initiatives in British rallying, the Classic Challenge crews will compete alongside the cars from the Armajaro MSA British Historic Rally Championship, with a day and a half of flat-out tarmac action on the famous mid-Wales stages.The vision of the Historic Rally Car Register in developing the new challenge is already reaping rewards as a growing number of cars are being readied for the series covering cars from 1975 to 1981. The season started on the Robin Hood Stages two months ago, and that event brought a debut victory for Will Nicholls/Nick Broom in their Escort Mk2. However, Epynt is home ground for Gareth Lloyd/Ryland James in their Mk2 and they will be tough to beat. Lloyd was the 2003 champion and is aiming to retain his title, while for Nicholls/Broom, the event will mark a rare visit to Epynt in their pristine Mk2.Also making a rare foray to Epynt is former Subaru WRC driver Gary Midwinter, who is partnered by Martin Saunders in his Vauxhall Chevette. Having been a tarmac ace in recent seasons, Midwinter does not see himself as an Epynt expert and reckons that a bad experience over a hump-back bridge in his youth has given him an unhealthy dislike of blind brows!Likely to be very strong is Kent crew Dick Slaughter/Geoff Dearing in their Escort RS1800, while other Classic entries include Kevin Vaites/Philip Stone (Escort RS2000) and John Williams/David Griggs (Sunbeam).The International Welsh Rally is organised by South Wales Automobile Club, Epynt Motor Cub and Forresters Car Club