THE WYEDEAN Rally, the Forest of Dean's biggest annual sporting event, is once again set to attract thousands of visitors on Saturday (February 5).

There are six special stages over forest tracks all of which are expected to draw big crowds. Carparking facilities are readily available.

The rally is a qualifying round for six different championships – a fact sure to bring a competitive edge to the event and once again the Forest of Dean Motor Club has been inundated with applications for one of the 160 available places.

The event will be based at Chepstow racecourse but starts at the Forest of Dean District Council offices at 8.30am on Saturday. The winning car is expected back at the racecourse at 2.45pm.

Last year's winner, Brian Bell, is seeking a back-to-back win in the opening round of the BTRDA Rally Series. Last year's success set him on the way to becoming the Clear System Solutions Silver Star champion and came in the face of some very stiff competition. This year will be no different!

Bell's Escort World Rally Car starts ahead of another former Wyedean winner, Andy Burton in his Cosworth-engined Peugeot, and the Metro 6R4 of Somerset driver Steve Winter.

Coleford's Nik Elsmore has been one of the stars of the Wyedean over the last couple of years. He has won the Formula 2 category on both the last two occasions and will lead the field away from the Council Offices as he goes for his Gold Star hat-trick.

Martin Meadows, Elsmore's main rival for the championship, brings his Proton Compact to the Forest having already proved his 1,600cc car is more than a match for many more powerful cars.