THE Wyedean Rally returns next month with a new date in the calendar and a new sponsor on board.

The event – which will be known as the Winner Garage Skoda Wyedean Stages Rally – will take place on Saturday, November 12.

The Wyedean was left out of last year’s national rally championships after 32 seasons and organisers, the Forest of Dean Motor Club, have moved it back to its traditional date in November while retaining its Welsh championship status.

After many years of being based at Chepstow Racecourse, the new-look Wyedean will be run entirely in the Forest.

The start and finish, as well as the service area, will be at the Vantage Point business village at Mitcheldean.

It will feature six special stages and some 40 miles of the best gravel roads in the UK

Adrian Williams and Bob Morgan, who are directors at the Cinderford Skoda dealership, have a long association as competitors in the Wyedean.

Adrian said: “With our long association with the Wyedean, it made sense for a local business to get behind the event and safeguard it’s long-term future.

“It’s a privilege for us to be associated with one of Britain’s top rallies with its long and illustrious history, and we will be supporting the new organising team all the way.”

Paul Loveridge, who is chairman of the Welsh Association of Motor Clubs, said: “It’s attracting a lot of attention because people want to come to the Forest of Dean.

“The Forest tracks are in the best condition they have been for years and people are supporting the event.

“There are some iconic stages that have been used for many years way back into the Network Q Rally days.”

There will be a maximum of 120 cars taking part and organisers say the financial impact for Forest businesses will be ‘immense’.

Mr Williams said: “You have 120 cars each with a crew of two and a service team and the majority will stay overnight.

“It brings an awful lot of money into the area – by the time they have bought fuel and accommodation you are up around £1,000 for a crew.”