Local family connections have long been associated with the Wyedean Stages right from the outset in 1975. There were the Elsmores, Rogers, Morgans, Turleys, Jenkins, Lanes, Davis, Reeds, Walbys, the Drew clan, and this year we have the Trueman’s dad, Mike, with sons, Tim and Lee. The family were and still are hugely successful in motocross, but the lure of their local rally is too much to resist, and this year they’ve expanded the family. 

Mike has long been associated with the rally before he even competed, when the snow years hit the event hard, Mike was the person who would organise the machines and coordinate with Phil Turley to get the stages usable for the event. 

This year sees team Trueman enter five cars on the event with some first time competitors.

Headed by father figure, Mike, who will use his usual Mk 2 Escort with rallying newcomer Martha Howells alongside, son, Lee who will use his Subaru Impreza with Berry Hill based Sam Hughes alongside.

But Lee won’t have it all his own way with his girlfriend Beth Harries hot on his heels at the wheel of a 1600 Peugeot 205 GTI on her first event, but will benefit from the experience of Matt Nicholas in the hot seat. 

Mike’s other son, Tim, will be at the wheel of his 2.0 litre Focus ST with Dave Troughton alongside. The Troughton family interest won’t just rest with Dave, as son Daniel will be doing his first rally at the wheel of a 1200 Hyundai i20. He will be co-driven by another debutant, Jonathan Griffiths, so the Troughtons can join the family connection list. 

Another crew with a huge Wyedean history are husband and wife team, Nigel and Karen Jenkins, in the NJ Auto Repairs 16v Nova.

See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition http://www.rossgazette.com/subscribe.cfm";>here