Valentine's Day sees the 40th running of the Weir Engineering Wyedean Forest Rally and the celebrations have already begun with the news that the event has attracted a full-house – 175 cars will take the start at Chepstow Racecourse on 14th February.

Not only is it full, but the entry list also features strength in depth.

Starting with last year's runners-up, Cumbrian Paul Bird and his co-driver Aled Davies, from Pencoed, are back in their Ford Focus WRC in an attempt to go one better this time, but as is ever the case at this level, they know that they'll have their work cut out if they are to add victory here to their respective CVs.

The Wyedean is the opening round of the REIS – RAVENOL BTRDA Rally Series and Scottish crew David Weston/Kirsty Riddick, who are next away in their Subaru Impreza WRC, were not present in Chepstow last year. However, they took their first outright win on the final round of the 2014 Series and, having got that monkey off their backs, can start the season with renewed confidence.

The most recent Wyedean Rally winner in the entry is Yorkshireman Charlie Payne who was victorious in 2012. His Focus WRC has recently been replaced by a Fiesta and Carl Williamson has been installed in the co-driver's seat.

Then there's another Fiesta in the hands of Stephen Petch/Ian Windress – this young crew from the northeast

have some unfinished business here as their visit last year ended prematurely in a Forest of Dean ditch.

2007 Wyedean winners Hugh Hunter/Andy Marchbank (Impreza WRC) are returning for another crack at the Championship they went on to win that year, while the top six is completed by multiple National Asphalt Rally Champion Damian Cole in another Focus WRC.

Damian, accompanied by new co-driver Jack Morton, has a busy season in prospect as not only is he contesting some BTRDA Rally Series events but is also planning the defence of his Asphalt Championship title.

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IXs are to the fore in the Group N "Production" category, with Russ Thompson, Tom Naughton and Pat Naylor all vying for top honours. Thompson brought his version back to the Racecourse in a fine 5th place overall in 2014, just ahead of Roland Llewellin who is also back for more.

2001 & 2009 Wyedean winner Nik Elsmore starts at No.17 in a Lancer, fifteen places ahead of his father Graham (Ford Escort MkII) who, with Stuart Harrold once again installed as co-driver, will be attempting to recreate the atmosphere that took them to victory on the first three Wyedean Rallies in the 70s.

Meanwhile, Cheltenham's Nick Elliott/Dave Price lead the two-wheel drive challenge in their "Historic" specification Escort MkII, ahead of Jamie Jukes' Suzuki Swift.

2014 BTRDA Gold Star Rally Champions and 2010 Wyedean winners Steve Perez/Paul Spooner have elected not to defend their title this year and will be appearing in Chepstow in their Lancia Stratos.

Eight special stages in the Forest of Dean await the bumper entry and, when they have been completed, the first car is due back at the Racecourse at around 2.40pm.