........Team GMF Wyedean Forest Rally........

Gary Simpson. Charlie Payne & Craig Thorley take top place in some tricky conditions..

Payne's growing confidence !

Gary Simpson.
Julian Wilkes & Will Rutherford-Child take 3rd overall and fastest 1400

Having retired from the event in 2011, Charlie Payne and co-driver Craig Thorley returned this time to win the Team GMF Wyedean Forest Rally in their Ford Focus WRC. After a remarkable day in the Forest of Dean the Yorkshire crew arrived back at the Chepstow Racecourse finish more than three minutes ahead of runners-up Shaun Gardener/Ben Innes (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO5.9) after 45 miles of special stages.

On a day when the ice-covered terrain not only made power a distinct disadvantage at times but it was also responsible for the demise of a number of top runners. Julian Wilkes, partnered by Will Rutherford, had a fabulous run to finish 3rd overall in his Vauxhall Nova which was more than enough to give the Taunton driver victory in the 1400cc category on the event for the fourth year running.

The Subaru Impreza of Nigel Griffiths/Jon Scott was 4th while the World Rally Car version of Roger Chilman/Bryan Thomas climbed back from a lowly 30th place after the opening stage to take an eventual 5th.

Although not particularly deep, snow that had fallen in the days leading up to the rally had frozen on the tracks in the Forest of Dean, making the going very difficult for many of the capacity entry of 180 crews who started on Saturday morning. 2007 Wyedean winners Hugh Hunter/Andy Marchbank (Ford Focus WRC) set fastest time through the opening stage, Sallowvallets, and looked on course for another victory – that is until they had to stop and change a puncture on the fifth of the seven stages, and then suffered two more before they reached the end. Having no more spare wheels, they had no choice but to retire.

Having been absent last year, 2010 victors Steve Perez/Paul Spooner were also in trouble. Running as high as 2nd overall at one point, their Ford Focus WRC left the road midway through the event, damaging its suspension and removing a front wheel. Game over!...

Gary Simpson. Peter Smith & Paul Wakely take a first in the Historic

Paul Davy/Roger Allan’s Subaru Impreza was the first Group N ‘production’ car home in 6th place overall while Dave Bennett/Alistair McNeil, returning to the sport after a sabbatical in 2011, were one place behind in their 1400cc Vauxhall Corsa.

After the first stage of the day, 2010 & 2011 BTRDA Rally First Champions Ash Slights/Tom Hughes were lying 4th overall in their Toyota Yaris but, later in the day, the car left the road forcing the crew into their first retirement in more than two years.

The wintry conditions were not suited to those two-wheel drive cars contesting the ‘Historic’ category. However, the overall winners were Peter Smith/Paul Wakely whose Ford Escort was 52nd overall. Bob Gibbons/Stuart Cardell were next, also taking a class win in their Ford Cortina Mk2.

The 37th Wyedean Forest Rally proved to be a very stern test of man and machine, leaving the 122 crews who were classified as finishers with plenty of stories to tell!

For further information, contact the Event Press Officer :

Andrew Haill - Tel : 0121 313 1416/E-mail : andrew.haill@btconnect.com

Team GMF Wyedean Forest Rally. Top 10 Overall.

Gary Simpson. Shaun Gardener & Ben Innes take second overall.

3.	Charlie Payne	Craig Thorley	Ford Focus	WR1	0:53:14
6.	Shaun Gardener	Ben Innes	EVO 5-9	B13	0:56:32
201.	Julian Wilkes	Will Rutherford-Child	Vauxhall Nova	1400S	0:57:17
8.	Nigel Griffiths	Jon Scott	Subaru Impreza	B13	0:57:36
4.	Roger Chilman	Bryan Thomas	Subaru Impreza	WR1	0:58:04
27.	Paul Davy	Roger Allan	Subaru Impreza	N4	0:58:21
204.	David Bennett	Alistair McNeil	Vauxhall Corsa	1400S	0:58:35
14.	Matt Edwards	Sam Collis	Mitsubishi EVO	B13	0:59:21
11.	Mike Faulkner	Peter Foy	Mitsubishi EVO	B13	0:59:49
37.	Keith Wilde	Phil Clarke	Subaru Impreza	N4	1:00:16

Winter Wonderland Wyedean Rally for Will Rogers

David Benson/RallySport Media.
Snow and Ice did nothing to stop Rogers and Partridge

Whilst the Team GMF Wyedean Forest Rally caused many competitors troubles with tyre choice, slippery conditions and uncompetitive times, co-driver Will Rogers drew on his local knowledge to help driver, Scott Partridge, finish the event a credible 33rd in the Quick Motorsport run Subaru Impreza, an incredible 65 place jump on their seeding.

Whilst a large number of competitors fell by the wayside, caught out by the icy conditions, Rogers was able to help Partridge navigate his way through the treacherous conditions using his knowledge of the Forest of Dean roads and understanding which corners were likely to be in the sun, thus thawed.

“The first stage was an eye opener!” Exclaimed Rogers. “It is the first time I’ve sat in with Scott and what with the icy roads it was certainly a baptism of fire. Once we found the pace we were happy with and the flow of the stages we were confident enough – we caught and passed a couple of cars in the first couple of stages and kept everything neat and tidy”.

Running so far down the field caused the pair even more problems, finding the icy surface had been effectively polished by the 140 cars that already had driven the stages before them.
“We went in to Serridge hoping the conditions would be better but found patchy ice throughout. We were lucky to get away with 2 full spins and an overshoot.

“I was full of confidence for Speech House – it’s as close as you can get to living on a rally stage, and I’m about 400 meters down the road! We had a good stage, apart from a spin on the third corner, and caught two cars towards the end of stage”.

Midday service was back in Chepstow Racecourse and gave the team a chance to review the times and their position. A decision was made, despite a desire to push, to hold their current pace and bring the car home within the points.

By the second loop of stages Rogers and Partridge were lying in 36th position overall and within the top 10 in class.

With only gravel rally tyres fitted to the car, and not specialist snow tyres other crews were running, the decision to hold station paid off with some relatively drama free stages bringing them over the finish ramp in 33rd overall and climbing their way to 7th in class.

“It was a really good result for both of us. Considering this is the first time we’ve been in the car together, and in such difficult conditions, we’re both happy to have finished such a tricky event, plus with the bonus of it being my home event.

The team are thankful for the support of their sponsors, Bullet Polish, Mad About Pies, RP Joinery and Future Furniture Group. They plan to continue rallying together and are now looking at contesting either the Bulldog National Rally or Mid Wales Stages.

For press information please contact David Benson – RallySport Media Tel: 07834 049038

Rachael Patterson and her first rally.

Gary Simpson.

Friday 10th February 2012 - Scrutineering & Noise:

Nerves were riding high as Mick and I headed off for our first test of the event. Scrutineering and the noise check. Fingers and toes both being crossed Percy flew through both sections of Scrutineering which was a massive relief to us all. Seeing more and more friendly faces throughout each process was calming my nerves but I still found myself waiting for my wing man Josh, who was driving down from Newcastle with his dad. He rocked up, cool as a cucumber putting my nerves at ease within minutes. We then completed our signing on together and received some goodie bags from the sponsors. We then returned to home base and put the finishing touches to Percy and said goodnight. Rich Marsh who has been helping us and came to see us through our first scrutineering headed back to get even more support for Race Day whilst we headed off to the pub for some food and final words before Saturdays event.

Saturday 11th February - RACE DAY

After the early start of 5am Mick and I picked Percy up and headed back to Chepstow where the team would all meet and get set up for the days event. I was feeling as calm as I could knowing that the stages were going to be tricky as we have had some very cold weather and a small amount of snow the day before. I jumped into Percy to warm him up, slowly pottering around I realised that I had no power-steering! I’m now thinking please let him just be cold and that things will start working soon enough… I couldn’t be more wrong, but I had been training in cars without power steering so off we went.

While going round stage 1 Josh and I soon realised that Percy was far from right. I managed to get round both stages hobbling around on 3 wheels as the near side front strut had completely come off. Made for some interesting driving and it was extremely hard work. This knocked my confidence, not helped by the fact that the surface on the stages was extremely difficult as it was icy and the sun had not yet managed to melt it.

We finished stage 2 and I couldn’t be happier to see a finish line and our chase car. The team then cracked on with establishing what the problem with my trusty blue steed was. People from all over came to our aid. Josh was keeping us all in check with how long we had left to get to the 3rd stage. Percy was soon back on the road but sadly outside the allotted time allowed for the intermediate service. This meant that we were out of the competition, but were still allowed to carry to the end and get our times.

Gary Simpson.

We carried on to Speech House and were slotted in with the Historic; this stage was just over 12 miles so I was looking forward to being able to have a good time. Josh was brilliant throughout the whole stage and really kept me on my toes. I needed the confidence to be put back into me and he did just that. We had one hair raising moment to which we both thought that was the end of it as we slid sideways through two gateposts. I managed to recover Percy and we had a quick high five moment!

We returned back to the service area after stage 4 discovering to everyone’s relief that the repair had held and there were no further problems. Both Josh & I had a quick brief on how we were doing and nabbed a bit of lunch. The team cracked on with a quick re-fuel as Josh wanted to get us back out and in front of the Historics where we belonged

We set off for the final 3 stages and I was feeling so much more confident and happy about the way Percy felt. I was even excited about these stages and knew the sun was slowly working its magic and melting away the ice and snow off the gravel.

Stages 5 and 6 were amazing and I think I was grinning the whole way round, I really felt like I was getting to grips with being able to understand the notes being read to me.

We then sat on the line ready for the final stage, I really wanted to push this time as although we were out of the competition it was great practice for us as a team. Well I believe I did push and maybe a bit too much, we were heading off round a left bend and hit a slippery section to which the back end slipped out and Josh and I found ourselves going backwards at a rather faster speed than anyone would enjoy. Next minute we find loads of spectators piling in and pushing us back out onto the stage… Minus the rear back screen! We reached the finish line and I was grinning from ear to ear. I was so pleased that we had got round all the stages and finished. I feel like a lot has been achieved and can’t wait for the next rally at Malcolm Wilson on 3rd March.

I would just like to thank everyone who has helped me to achieve this. No one is paid, it is all down to the goodwill of some wonderful people. We have made some great friends on our path to the start. When I joined the army, I was introduced to it and welcomed as one big happy family. From my limited experience to date, the world of Rallying seems to have the same philosophy.

I am really looking forward to what this year holds and being able to get to learn more from my car and my wing man Josh.

Please keep following me and my team throughout this dream of mine.

Rach x Car 255

www.rachaelpattersonmotorsport.co.uk/

Puncture robs Wright of Wyedean finish

Gary Simpson. David Wright & Michael Wilkinson.

Bentham’s David Wright had a disappointing start to his rally season last weekend when suspension damage caused by a puncture forced him to retire from the Wyedean Forest Rally, the first round of the BTRDA rally championship.

With temperatures well below freezing the rally crews faced the difficult decision of which tyres to choose for the opening stages in the Forest of Dean. Wright selected cut gravel tyres but as soon as he started stage one he knew this was the wrong choice as the gravel forest tracks resembled a skating rink. Battling to keep the Kumho Tyres, Proflex, Drenth, Grove Hill Garage and York Brewery-supported Mitsubishi Evo 9 on the road Wright and co-driver Michael Wilkinson had five spins in the stage and were down in 29th place overall.

Conditions were no better in the second stage although Wright was progressing well until a high speed spin between two steel gate posts.

"Stage one was a nightmare, there was no grip at all and we were very lucky not to do any damage in our numerous spins," commented Wright. "Stage two was also very icy but we seemed to be having a better run until the spin. We only just missed the gateposts and we’d have done a lot of damage had we hit them. We ended up landing backwards in a ditch but the car was ok."

Wright was able to swap to tyres designed for ice before the third stage and the difference was immediately seen as he caught and passed the car that started the test a minute ahead. Shortly afterwards the Evo 9 picked up a puncture which caused damage to the suspension as Wright drove out of the stage, forcing him out of the event.

"The ice tyres transformed the car on the slippery surface, we were having a really good run in Speech House but the puncture ended our hopes of a good result. It was a very disappointing way to end the rally but we’ve just got to put it behind us and look forward to the next event which will be the Malcolm Wilson rally in March. This is our local event and I really like the stages, I’ll be having a big attack to get as many points as I can."

18 year old Harry Threlfall superb success at first Forest Rally

Gary Simpson. Harry Threlfall & Andrew Price take first in class.

Taunton based young Rally driver, Harry Threlfall recorded a truly amazing result at his first ever forest Rally on the Wyedean Stages last weekend.
The Wyedean Stages was the opening round of the BTRDA National Rally Championship with 220 crews entered from all over the UK. The weather conditions were horrendous with lying snow and overnight temperatures of -10 degrees, many cars could not get even into the forests from the salted highways!

This was only Harrys 2nd ever rally as a driver. Competing amongst a huge field including numerous reigning and previous British champions, he brought his little Peugeot 107 rally car home in 84th place overall and 1st in class by 1minute and 1second over the grueling Forest of Dean gravelled forest roads.
Harrys car, a very small 998cc Peugeot 107 Sport was running in the lowest class (RF1.0), right at the back of the field, but he showed immense maturity, patience, cautious speed and stamina to beat the majority of the field behind him.

“I am absolutely thrilled and amazed with the win”, says a very excited Harry. “The roads were unbelievably icy with no grip anywhere.
I think having my low powered engine helped me a lot. I got a huge trophy for winning the class. I was competing against some very successful and experienced drivers but I kept my cool and kept myself out of trouble to bring home the win.”

Harry is studying Motorsport Engineering at Bridgwater College. As well as learning to drive the car fast he also wants to learn how a rally car works.
He has recently taken on a 3rd part time job to help him cover his costs. He would love to find a local sponsor to enable him to use higher spec machinery. His next event is the Malcom Wilson Stages on March 3rd in the Lake District forests based at the M-sport factory which runs the Ford WRC rally cars.
Harry hopes to meet Malcom Wilson who often uses this event for scouting young talent.

Harry hopes to do well this year and hopefully be selected for the MSA Elite Rally Team and ultimately one of the works rally teams.
In only his first event Harry currently leads the RF1000 class, RF Junior and 4th in the overall British Junior class!

Thank you.

The Forest of Dean Motor club would like to thank everyone who turned out on what was a cold frosty day.

The competitors who gave their best and risked some expensive damage whilst performing some stunning ice skating moves.

All the officials who had spent many hours preparing for the event and were rewarded by a smooth running event with few incidents.

Our friends from other clubs who, as usual, turned out in force and helped make the event a success.

But the biggest thanks must go to the marshals, stage officials, rescue and recovery crews who spent many hours in sub zero temperatures. That is true commitment.

Got a Story ??

Last year I posted some write up's from various competing teams.

If you would like a brief write up included (with a picture) of how you faired on the Wyedean, .... well just drop me a email and I will include it on this page.

Our Sponsor.

Once again GMF Motor Factors will be sponsoring the Wyedean. This is a local company with it's roots firmly in the Forest of Dean. They have provided much needed support in economic times which are far from favorable for any sponsor, for this the FODMC is grateful.
Please click on the logo and visit their website and check out the massive range of spares they carry

37 years old !

Frank Pierson and Jim Smith in 1975 win an award for the
highest recorded speed of 98mph on Spruce Ride,
They also took 3rd o/a.

The First Wyedean Stages was run in October 1975 and has run continuously since.
The entry fee was an eye watering £27.00, the winner, however, did collect a prize of a cheque for £40.00.
The winner of the first rally was Graham Elsmore in his Escort RS1600, who went on to win for a further two times to complete a hat trick.

A new website has been created by Neil Henderson to chronicle all motorsport events held in the Forest of Dean.
It is still early days for the website, but already Neil has uploaded a lot of information.

It is fascinating to see both competitors and officials who are still taking an active part in the Wyedean today, some 37 years later.

If you have any memorabilia you would like to share, I am sure Neil would be delighted to hear from you, just use the contact page on the Dean Rallies website.

You can visit this archive by clicking the logo at the start of this paragraph.