There is no doubt that the Wyedean is alive and well after the new format was very well received by the competitors, despite the challenging conditions, and the appreciative spectators followed the safety advice. The success of the event on Saturday, November 12th, pleased the members of the Forest of Dean Motor Club, who revived the annual event which was originally cancelled for health and safety reasons. Spectators were urged to stick to official car parks and vantage points to stay safe and safeguard the future of the rally and it appears that this advice was heeded by everyone present.

Broadwell co-driver Jack Walby fulfilled many local driver’s dream by winning the Winner Garage Skoda Wyedean Stages, alongside Irish star Josh Moffett in the Calico Interiors/Combi-lift Fiesta WRC, making them the youngest ever duo to take victory in the event’s 41st year history. The pair finished the new course in 39.43, which was 46 seconds ahead of Callum Black and Elliott Edmondson who came second. In third place was Shaun Gardner and Ben Innes.

A top quality entry of 118 crews left the start at Vantage Point Business Village in Mitcheldean on Saturday morning to be greeted by rain, mist and fog. This meant the six tests ahead were extremely treacherous, with extensive panel damage the order of the day.

Sadly the hopes of Ross contender, Steve Bennett with Cliffy Simmons, were dashed on stage two when Bennett slid off the road causing heavy damage to the RS1800.

Top seeds Damian Cole and Ross-on-Wye co-driver Paul Morris also headed for the exit after Cole decided his DMack Tyres weren’t to his liking, after two spins in the Fiesta WRC.

Read the full report in this week’s Ross Gazette