THREE times Wyedean winner Graham Elsmore rolled back the years when he teamed up with his old co-driver Stuart Harrold to compete on the 2008 Get Connected/Carless Fuels Wyedean Forest Rally, in the Hydrex backed Escort RS1800, Graham's return had generated so much interest and publicity, not only in the Forest of Dean but Nationwide as people turned out to watch 'The King of the Dean'. The event held in glorious weather consisted of seven special stages in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with rally HQ in the spacious Chepstow Racecourse, Graham had hired the Group 4 Escort from his old friend and rival Terry Brown. After finding Chepstow Park somewhat on the rough side even though they were only seeded at car 36, the old partnership soon settled into the event with Graham's 'ever-sideways' style entertaining the thousands of spectators lining the route, many of whom had just come to see Graham's return. The only small problem they incurred all day was a half spin in Serridge and their times dramatically improved as the day wore on, finally bringing the Hydrex Escort RS1800 home 32nd overall and winning the Historic category convincingly. A very happy Graham said at the finish: "I have had a wonderful day, and I am sure Stuart has as well. It has been great to relive old memories but I wish the Forestry Commission hadn't cut down so many trees in the last 30 years, as I didn't recognise some of the stages that well. A massive thankyou to Hydrex for allowing me the opportunity to compete once more, and congratulations to the Forest of Dean Motor Club for a superb event. Thanks go to all the people who came out to support me and Stuart."
