Preview, round five: Tour of FlandersAfter a summer break, the competition for the HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge resumes with round five, the Tour of Flanders over the weekend of 11/12 September.For the first time, the new series ventures outside the UK for the classic event on the tarmac stages in Belgium and the title race could not be closer.Created by the Historic Rally Car Register, the new Classic Challenge is attracting a strong following of cars covering the period from 1975 to 1981 and will now wrap up with Flanders, followed by the gravel events of the Trackrod and Bulldog rallies in October.Following the Mid-Wales Stages at the end of June, two crews are level at the head of the championship. A narrow victory on that event allowed Ernie Graham/Robin Kellard to draw level with Gareth Lloyd/Ryland James and so the competition in Belgium should be fierce.Graham/Kellard (Escort Mk1) have switched over to the Classics after a troubled start to their BHRC campaign this season and should fly on the Belgian tarmac. But Lloyd/James in the West Wales Rally Spares Escort RS1800 are extremely match-fit having contested the Mewla Rally on Epynt last weekend.A non-finish on the Mid-Wales has hindered the progress of Will Nicholls/Nick Broom, but their RS1800 should be bang on the pace in Flanders and they are still firmly in contention for the title with three rallies still to run.Meanwhile, Martin Freestone and Chris Heyes will shine on the tarmac stages in their Escort RS1800 and could yet make the title race a four-way battle. Also making the trip to Belgium will be East Anglian crew John Williams/David Griggs in their Talbot Sunbeam to compete on their favoured surface.With more crews due to join the fray for the final two events, including a true rallying legend, the stage is set for a cracking conclusion to the Classic Challenge!