THE final countdown to one of the biggest sporting events of the year has started and drivers are flocking from all corners of the country to take part.
More than 150 cars are signed up for The Get Connected! Wyedean Forest Rally which starts at 8am on Saturday, February 7 from Chepstow Racecourse.
If the snowy weather conditions continue there could be some tricky stretches along some of the seven stages of the rally, but the drivers are undaunted.
Andy Burton and co-driver Shelley Rogerson will be first off the mark in the open stages in a bid to defend their 2008 title.
Also tipped for the top are local driver and sponsor Damian Cole with co-driver Paul Morris (Hyundai Accent WRC) and last year's number two Nik Elsmore and Craig Drew of Coleford (Mitsubishi Evo 9) as well as competitors from further afield like Will Nicholls and Nick Broom from the Isle of Wight (Subaru Impreza WRC) and Hugh Hunter and Andy Marchbank from Ruthin (Ford Focus WRC).
Current Welsh two wheel drive champion Nigel Jenkins of Coleford with co-driver Deian Phillips will be tackling the course in a 1.4 litre Nova.
A disappointing suspension failure last year forced them to relinquish their fifth place position but they are hopeful a new gear box and brakes bring them over the finish line in the top five.
During the press day they had to retire with a broken drive shaft, but Nigel says he is pleased there was time to fix the problem before the main event.
Shane Parry of Lydney and rookie co-driver Stuart Akers of Whitecroft say they will be contented if they can cross the finish line!
Shane said: "We just want to get a bit further than I did last time. We are hiring a car and don't want to give too much away yet – secrecy is our best weapon!"
Twice national co-driving champion, 24 year-old Holly Roberton is navigating for David Segal in a Saxo.
She said she loved the rallying atmosphere and even works at a rally school. Holly started co-driving at the age of 14 and says this year they are going for a class win.
"I grew up with four brothers and I think it's a fantastic sport – I get such a rush from it.
"I work on cars more or less seven days a week, but if you love it you don't consider it a chore.
"Last year it was the car's first outing and we had a bit of trouble but that should be sorted now."
Nigel Drew and Dave Motterham have entered their Subaru Impreza and are hopeful about their chances. "We're saying nothing! Last year we started at number 82, hoping to come in the top 60 and finished 35th overall and 7th in class.
"This is only Dave's second rally, but so long as the car holds up we think we could do alright."
Darren Pinchin and Karen Watts in their Satria will be the first over the line on Saturday.
Karen said: "I feel a sense of pride at being the first car on the road at my home event – an event that I have had long connections with.
"Winning the 1400's overall would be great but there is some stiff competition in this year's event.
"More importantly it would be nice to finish my home event as my last three attempts have always ended in retirement."
As always there will be plenty of surprises and excitement – don't miss it!