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NEWS chief reporter Steve Sowden (right), all suited up and raring to go with Chard rally driver Brendan Wellman, and his modified Nissan Micra 1.4.

FIVE, four, three, two, one - GO!

The wheels span, dust clouds encircled everyone around and the car sped off. Welcome to the world of rally driving!

With fists clenched and eyes barely open, I was strapped into the passenger seat as Chard driver Brendan Wellman careered towards the first bend in his modified Nissan Micra 1.4.

"Would we make the turn?" crossed my mind as Brendan powered on, fortunately he did and the rest of the exhilarating journey was over quickly and I emerged unscathed.

The Somerset Stages Rally is to be held on Saturday and I was lucky enough to be given an insight into the fast moving sport last week deep in the heart of Exmoor where I was able to meet some of our local rally drivers who will be putting their foot hard on the accelerator.

Brendan, 30, who has been involved in rally driving ever since he was old enough to drive, said that his interest started as a co-driver, the navigator, but he wanted to be in control and it was not long before he had "swapped seats."

"I have great respect for the co-driver, but I wanted to have control of the car," he said.

"I really enjoy the thrill of rallying - it is a great sport, although it is not a cheap hobby to have."

BRENDAN puts his foot to the floor as he gives Steve his fast-moving insight into the addictive sport.

After being given my introductory lap of the Kennisham picnic area site in Exmoor, which sits between Wheddon Cross and Raleigh's Cross, I was then introduced to Martyn England, of Donyatt, who drives a Mitsubishi Evolution 9 RS.

Now I am no motoring enthusiast and my knowledge of cars is pretty miniscule, so I got in next to Martyn and approached the start line not really knowing what to expect, apart from my experience of going around the circuit with Brendan.

Once again the steward gave the countdown and whereas Brendan's getaway was smooth, this was a totally different experience altogether.

As soon as the go' signal was given, my stomach felt as if it was trying to leap out of my mouth, and my head was pressed hard back against the seat such was Martyn's speed of acceleration.

Brendan's Nissan Micra was quick, but Martyn's Mitsubishi was something different altogether. Wow!

Within a flash we had completed the circuit and Martyn told me that we had topped speeds of over 100mph, but being low down and hurtling around a tight tree-lined track made it feel very much faster.

As we were waiting to start I asked Martyn, who has been rallying for some 25 years, as to whether he still got an adrenalin rush out of the sport.

Once we had completed our circuit he asked me the same question. I would not be able to print what I actually said to him in reply! It was amazing.

Ashill driver Paul James, whose Taunton-based company Betta are the sponsors of the Somerset Stages, told me how he gets a real buzz' about rally driving in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

"Once you get the bug' it is hard to let go," he said.

After my introduction to rallying, I can see where he is coming from!

-o-

THE Betta Somerset Stages Rally 2008 takes place on Saturday (April 26) in the Exmoor National Park.

Although spectators are welcome to watch the action unfold, they have been asked to congregate at solely at Chargot Wood which is signposted between Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, and Wheddon Cross, near Minehead.

Organisers have worked with the Forestry Commission to provide improved parking facilities at the site and following a short walk they have been able to create an excellent vantage point.

The first cars are due to arrive at Chargot Wood at around 1pm for the first of two runs which will see drivers go off at 30-second intervals. Safety is of paramount importance and organisers are asking that spectators are mindful of the dangers.

One of the organisers, Trevor Short, said: "The safety of spectators is paramount and it is necessary to tape off any area that may be dangerous to stand in and attempt to watch. If a marshal asks you to move then it will be for your own safety."

The event, which will be based at the Butlins resort in Minehead, will be the fourth round of the ever-popular Silverstone Tyres BTRDA Rally Series.

It will cost £5 per car at Chargot Wood for spectators.

9:41am Wednesday 23rd April 2008

PAUL James, of Ashill, in his Mitsubishi Lancer.

DONYATT driver Martyn England's Mitsubishi Evo 9 RS.

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