RYAN LAWFORD will be hoping to start the new season when the opening round of the 2007 MSA British Championships begin at Lydden on Easter Monday.

The sport celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, since the first ever meeting was run at the Dover circuit, now dubbed 'the home of Rallycross' in February 1967, and won by Vic Elford in a Porsche 911.

The meeting is sponsored by Tonhire.com, and British Rallycross Drivers Association chairman, John Horton, said: "The event is Lydden’s biggest of the year, and it's the best possible way to celebrate the anniversary, and several top drivers and celebrities have been invited."

Lawford had an exceptional first season in the Stock Hatch class, culminating in being named Best Newcomer of the Year, and the 21-year-old from Blean, near Canterbury, hopes to be as successful this year.

He said: "I was second out of 30 in my first race at Lydden last year and I would be delighted if things go as well for me this time."