The 2008 Northern Historic Rally Championship (NHRC) will be sponsored by North Yorkshire-based rally equipment and car preparation company Motoscope.

The NHRC has been running for two years, proving popular with competitors and as the series continues to grow it has now landed its first major title sponsor in the form of Northallerton business Motoscope.

The 2008 Motoscope NHRC will consist of eight rounds across a mix of asphalt and gravel in the north of England and Scottish Borders with the best five scores to count. 

It is open to all cars that comply with the MSA’s requirements for historic rally cars in classes H1, H2 and H3 and only wheels and tyres used in that period are allowed. Tyres South Shore will also be supporting the series by providing tyres to championship winners on events as well as being available to supply tyres.

The opening round of the Motoscope NHRC is the Thirsk-based Riponian Rally on Sunday 10 February and regulations are now available.

Mike Collins, championship co-ordinator of the NHRC, said: “The championship has grown over the two years since its inception and we thought it was now time to move it on a little and get a sponsor on board as we want to make it bigger and better in 2008.

“It’s great to have the backing of a company that’s well established within rallying and that also has strong links with historic rallying. We’re delighted to be associated with Motoscope and have them on board as our sponsor; we’re looking forward to working together in the new season.

“The NHRC is a competitive series that has some quality events on the calendar that appeals to any competitors who are based within the Northern region.”

Richard Pocklington, managing director of Motoscope, said: “The NHRC is a championship that is continuing to expand and we’re proud to be supporting the series in 2008. It offers some good rallies and appeals right across the scale to people with smaller budgets and crews who want some tough competition.”

Registration for the 2008 Motoscope NHRC costs £15 per person or £28 per crew.

The series will have a stand at the HRCR Open Day at Gaydon Heritage Motor Museum on Saturday 12 January or anyone requiring information or a set of regs can contact Neil Sawyer on 01757 269210 before 8pm or Mike Collins on 01757 269219 before 9pm.

At the end of the season the overall winners will be awarded the Roger Sutcliffe Memorial Trophy with prizes for first and second place in the categories and first, second and third place in the classes. 

Website at: www.hrcrnorthernchampionship.co.uk