Michael Henderson, 26, is the current British Autocross Champion after snatching the crown in the competition's final round at Morpeth's Causey Park Farm in August.

And while the Felton driver is aiming for a repeat performance in Autocross next season, he is also preparing to take on the challenge of Rallycross.

However entry into the popular Rallycross Open Championship will prove to be an expensive venture for the race ace and Michael has made a plea for financial support.

He said: "Rallycross is going to cost more than Autocross.

"There is a bigger travelling cost, there is the upkeep of the car and it is quite expensive to enter an event.

"I will also have a new car for the Rallycross season, a 1600cc Corsa, as well as my car for autocross, so I will have to look after both cars."

The Cramlington District Motor Club star added: "I can't wait for the Rallycross season.

"I want to win the championship I am entering into.

"It would be good if people could get behind me and it would be a great way for businesses to advertise."

The 2008 Rallycross Open Championship is sponsored by Hi Spec Motorsport and it will be televised by both MotorsTV and Channel 5.

And it has been announced that following the success of the Rallycross Open Championship in 2007, the amount of air time that each round of the competition will receive on MotorsTV will double to a series of two-hour dedicated programmes, allowing the events to be shown in much greater detail.

Michael's Rallycross season starts in early spring at the fully professional race track Croft Circuit, before the calendar takes him to other venues such as Blyton in Lincolnshire and Pembrey, in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

To sponsor Michael, contact him on 07727 650636 or email kel2ynufc@yahoo.co.uk