IN the end, the temptation of having an Evo 9 in the garage doing nothing proved too much for Nik Elsmore.

Having lost his sponsorship deal with Hydrex, the two-time Wyedean champ has not raced since last year's Forest event.

His car is up for sale and, initially, Elsmore was not going to race in this year's Wyedean.

He said: "I was sat at home drinking Magners, watching rallying on TV, and I thought to myself 'I've got a car in the garage, I might not be in a position like this in a few years time'.

"I spoke to dad (three-time Wyedean winner Graham Elsmore) and he said 'of course I'm behind you, but just remember the car is ours now, we pick up the tab'.

"It's a bit of a risk because we're mainly self financed. I've got one decent sponsor, an old friend of Rex Paddock who isn't looking for publicity."

Paul Spooner, who co-drove Steve Perez to victory last year, will be navigating for Elsmore. It's their first rally together, something they've both wanted to do for a long time.

Elsmore said: "I've got to be realistic. I drove the door handles off the car last year and couldn't keep up with Perez. I'll know after a few stages how I'm doing. I can't think about the risks. When it's 5,4,3,2,1 go, you're out to win."

Elsmore says the car has been overhauled by Adam Fowler and a smaller restrictor could give him an extra second per mile.

He added: "When I was with Hydrex I was always eager to please, because the sponsorship could have been taken away at any time. This year, there are no rules, no guests to keep happy, it might be easier. I've been out of the car a long time. I'm not sure what difference that will make to me, but other people say I'll be OK.

"Hugh Hunter and Paul Bird are the ones who can cause me trouble. Birdy is a bit quicker than Perez, but because of that he can make mistakes."