Hirst’s high hopes at the Wyedean

Matthew Hirst and co-driver Declan Dear, already three-time winners of the Wyedean Stages Rally in 2019, 2022, and 2023, are back with their sights set on a fourth consecutive victory and the Reis Motorsport Insurance English Rally Championship advantage. After switching from a Fiesta to a Fabia Rally2 in September, they’ve shown renewed speed, taking victory at the Cambrian Rally in Llandudno and the Trackrod Forest Rally.

They start the Wyedean Stages in Cinderford with high hopes, particularly as Elliot Payne, current English Rally Championship leader, is absent, leaving Hirst with an opportunity to reclaim the series lead by the season’s penultimate round. This year’s Wyedean features 41 miles of challenging terrain across seven special stages, with a competitive 90-car entry list, making any victory hard-fought.

Local favorites Nigel and Kaz Jenkins, competing in a Vauxhall Nova, lead Class E2 in the English Rally Championship and are currently in the Top Ten overall. Despite a setback with a retirement in the Kielder Forest Rally, a strong finish on their home ground in the Forest of Dean could secure them the class title. However, they face strong competition from Ashley Francis-Adams in a Nissan Micra, who has been a consistent contender, even outperforming them in a few rallies. Joining the Class E2 lineup is Luke Watts from Coleford, the son of Kaz Jenkins. Driving an MG ZR, Watts placed second in his class last year, edging out the Jenkins after they faced engine trouble. While Watts isn’t in the running for the Championship due to his mid-season entry, he could still disrupt the standings.

In Class E3, Michael Jenkins and co-driver Jordan Joines, driving a Fiesta, currently hold the class lead. However, they’ll have to fend off a challenge from Sam Mason and James Seymour in a Fiesta R2, who have had an inconsistent season but remain a threat if they keep up their recent scoring pace in the final two rounds.

Steve Ward and Phil Sandham in a MkII Escort have maintained a perfect finishing record in the English Championship so far and are close to breaking into the Top Three overall. Class E4, where they compete, is notably popular with MkII Escorts, including teams like Rob Dennis/Andy Boswell and Geoff Phelps/Colin Jenkins, who will also be vying for top positions in the class on the Wyedean. With this competitive field, the season promises an exciting finish in early December.