The First Wyedean Stages was run back in October 1975 and has run continuously since then. The entry fee was an eye watering £27.00, the winner, however, did collect a prize of a cheque for £40.00. Now, nearly 40 years later ,the Team GMF Wyedean Forest Rally is still going as strong as ever. With little more than three weeks to go to the start of the Rally on February 1st, entries have long since passed the 50-mark, giving the organisers, Forest of Dean Motor Club Ltd, a good indication of just how popular their event is going to be once again. Local drivers taking part include: Paul Gunter/Den Golding Escort R, Jim Swift/Matt Pugh Escort RS, Roger Matthews/Mike Jode Escort RS1600 and Eric Davis/Russell Joseph Mini GT

Amongst the first to arrive was that of 2007 Wyedean winners Hugh Hunter and Andy Marchbank. Hunter, from Ruthin, has recently replaced his Ford Focus WRC, which took him to third overall on last year's rally, with a newer version and the intention is to mount an all-out assault on the REIS – Get Connected BTRDA Rally Series, of which the Wyedean is the opening round. Hunter and Marchbank took the BTRDA Gold Star Championship title in 2008 and are well aware of what will be required for a repeat performance this year, not least of which is putting the opposition on the back foot by knocking in some good scores early on.

At this stage, just who that opposition will be remains a mystery but, rest assured, anyone making a serious attempt at a Championship will be present as it gets underway. As has already been well documented, following a change in vehicle regulations, 2011 Wyedean winner, and BTRDA Gold Star Champion, Andy Burton's Peugeot Cosworth is no longer eligible to compete and, thus far, any plans the Kington driver may have for the new season are being kept firmly under wraps.

The popularity of the Historic category is on the increase, with former MSA British Historic Rally Champions Dessie Nutt and Geraldine McBride already committed to bringing their Porsche 911 across from Northern Ireland and Cheltenham's Nick Elliott/ Dave Price are hoping to repeat their class win and two-wheel drive victory in 2011 in their Ford Escort.

Running at the front of the field, contenders for the 1400cc category always put on a good show and, to date, almost a third of the total entries received are from competitors in these 'small-engined' cars, with the MG ZR of Marlon Roberts/Steve Deeley being first out of the mailbag.

For those wishing to join them, the Entries Secretary is: Lilian Turley, 01594 810161 or email: [email protected]">[email protected]