The 46th edition of the Wyedean Stages Rally, held on Saturday 16th November 2024, once again cemented its place as one of the most prestigious and enduring motorsport events in the UK. Organized by the dedicated Forest of Dean Motor Club, the rally has been a staple in the picturesque Forest of Dean for nearly five decades. This year's event delivered everything rally enthusiasts could hope for: competitive drama, stunning forest stages, and a record-breaking performance by rallying's finest.
Setting the Scene: A Rally Steeped in Tradition Since its inception, the Wyedean Stages has attracted top-tier competitors and devoted fans, drawn to the challenge of the Forestry Commission roads and the event’s rich history. Serving as the final round of the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Stage Rally Championship, the event also doubled as a qualifying round for other prestigious championships, including the Motorsport UK Reis Motorsport English Rally Championship, the HRCR Stage Masters Challenge, the MDMC TCS Rally Challenge, and the HRCR Mini Cup. With such a prestigious line-up, the stakes were high, and the competition fierce.
This year’s rally featured seven competitive stages covering 66 kilometres, a demanding route that showcased the Forest of Dean’s autumnal beauty. The dry and mild conditions were unseasonably favourable, making the late-autumn sunlight a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day of rallying.
Hirst & Dear: Favourites and History Makers Heading into the event, all eyes were on Matthew Hirst and Declan Dear, firm favourites to clinch victory. Their dominance was unquestionable, having won the previous three editions of the Wyedean Stages and topping the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship standings. Having switched to a Skoda Fabia Rally2 from their Ford Fiesta R5 earlier in the season, the pair had grown increasingly comfortable with their new machine, showcasing its potential with a commanding win at the Cambrian Rally. The question was not whether they could win again, but if they could achieve a historic fourth Welsh Championship title.
Morning Glory: Opening Stages The rally began under perfect conditions, with dry stages and the forest glowing in the soft autumnal light. Hirst and Dear wasted no time demonstrating their intentions, taking victory in both stages of the opening leg. The duo were in a class of their own, building a commanding 37-second lead before the first service. Their flawless execution and outright pace left little doubt about their ambitions.
Meanwhile, the battle for second place was heating up. Bob Morgan and Ade Williams in their Skoda Fabia R5 found themselves in a dead heat with Tom Llewellin and Ross Whittock in their iconic Mk II Ford Escort. Both teams were tied, 41 seconds off the lead, proving that the fight for the podium was far from over.
Midday Showdown: The Fight Intensifies As the rally progressed into the second leg, Hirst and Dear continued their relentless charge. A dominant display saw them claim victories in both stages, extending their lead to over 90 seconds. The pair were clearly in a league of their own, blending precision and speed to assert their dominance.
However, the fight for second place remained a nail-biter. Llewellin and Whittock edged ahead by a mere four seconds after four stages, using the nimbleness of their rear-wheel-drive Escort to great effect on the twisting forest roads.
Morgan and Williams, undeterred, stayed within striking distance, knowing that rallying is unpredictable, and fortunes can change in an instant. Their consistent pace and strategic approach kept the podium positions tantalizingly close.
Final Push: Decisive Moments in the Forest The final leg of the day consisted of three challenging stages, and Hirst and Dear showed no signs of easing off. The duo secured victory in all three stages, completing a perfect performance and sealing their fourth consecutive Wyedean Stages win.
But their triumph was more than just another rally victory—it was a historic moment as they clinched their fourth Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship title, an achievement unmatched in the championship’s storied history.
The fight for second place provided its own drama. Morgan and Williams mounted a spectacular late push in their Skoda Fabia R5, displaying both speed and determination. Their efforts paid off as they leapfrogged Llewellin and Whittock to claim second place by a narrow margin of just nine seconds. It was a hard-fought reward for their persistence and skill.
Despite narrowly missing out on second place, Llewellin and Whittock had plenty to celebrate. They not only secured the overall event podium in third place but also took victory in the 2WD and W9 categories, a testament to the enduring performance of the Mk II Ford Escort and the team’s exceptional driving.
The Legacy Continues: A Rally to Remember The 2024 Wyedean Stages Rally will be remembered as a landmark event in the history of the Forest of Dean Motor Club and the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship. Matthew Hirst and Declan Dear’s record-breaking achievements cemented their status as rallying legends, while the thrilling battles throughout the field demonstrated the depth of talent and passion within the sport.
Photography by Alex Stefan & Rob Sayer
The event’s success was a tribute to the meticulous organization by the Forest of Dean Motor Club, whose dedication and expertise ensured that the rally continued its legacy as one of the premier events in UK motorsport. The stunning forest stages, challenging route, and vibrant atmosphere made it a fitting finale to the 2024 rallying season.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Wyedean Stages As the sun set on the Forest of Dean, the rally community celebrated another chapter in the Wyedean Stages’ illustrious history. The event continues to be a cornerstone of UK rallying, blending tradition, competition, and community spirit. With competitors already looking ahead to next year, the 46th running of the Wyedean Stages proved that the heart of rallying still beats strong in the Forest of Dean.
