THE Team GMF Wyedean Forest Rally (February 13) this year again throws up many family connections.

These include Dave Jenkins, who this year will be using an Escort RS 1800 sponsored by GMF Motor factors, and his brother Nigel, who will again be among the 1400 front runners in his Hankook tyres-backed 16v Nova. 

Dave's son Colin, who made his rallying debut alongside Rob Drew on last year's Neath Valley Stages, is also hoping to make his Wyedean debut.

In the Drew household it was a 'no contest' last year as son Craig co-drove Nik Elsmore to outright victory while dad Rob and other son Paul got stuck on a snow bank in Speech House. 

This year Rob will be at the wheel.  Rob's brother Nigel who has taken to rallying like a duck to water with some impressive results, will be hoping for a top 25 finish in the NPD Plant Impreza.

Eric Davis will have son Matthew on the notes in the Phil Roberts Plant Hire Mini.  The veteran Drybrook resident has missed very few Wyedeans in 35 years. 

Their will be a two-car team from Winner Garage, another Wyedean regular Bob Morgan with Ade Williams on board in the Subaru Impreza N12.  Bob's son Jason will again wheel out his Peugeot 106 for his Wyedean debut and will have Tom Marrott on the notes.

Will Rodgers will be alongside Junior Rallycross Champion 17 year-old Daniel O'Brien (Dan's father Mick will be at the wheel of his 03 Focus WRC) in a Fiesta ST.  Brother Matt will be making his rallying debut in a Peugeot 106 and he has the experienced Russ Joseph alongside for guidance.

Karen Watts will be beside Darren Pinchen. Karen's father, Phil Turley, has been the events clerk of the course since the first Wyedean in 1975.  Mum Lilian is entries secretary, a role she has also filled in the early days of the event.

The Forest of Dean Motor Club says it's keen to encourage youngsters to get involved in the sport.  New directives from the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association, allow 14 year-olds to compete on single venue rallies and co-drive on multi-use events from 16 years-old.  Special championships for 14 year-olds have been set up and they have been very well supported.

"Dave Jenkins came up with the idea to attract more younger members to get involved with the club and use the members' experience to help get those interested up and running," said Forest of Dean Motor Club chairman Paul Willetts. 

Jack Walby, 15, son of vice chairman Martyn Walby, will make his co-driving debut alongside his father at Down Ampney in April.

"Anybody interested please come and join us – we have a lot of people in the club with vast knowledge and experience only too happy to help these youngsters out," said Paul Willetts.