HE may have been usurped by his son Jack’s recent success at the new-look Wyedean Rally, but Martyn Walby has more say in Forest sport than initially meets the eye.

Walby was the clerk of course for November’s Wyedean Stages and has vice-chairman at the Forest of Dean Motorsport Club for eight years.

But he also turned out at Dockham Road, appearing in the front row for Cinderford RFC for many years.

After his playing days ended, he took up his interest in rallying once more and helped transform the Wyedean Rally into the much-loved professional event it grew to become.

“After the Wyedean Stages was dropped from the BTRDA Rally Championship in 2016, the event could have just died,” said Forest of Dean MC chairman Paul Willetts.

“But with his hard work and desire he put a team together, along with Paul Gunter, Phil Jones and Neil Fuller, to make sure the event ran in 2016.

“He designed a new compact route, and was a driving force in negotiations for the Wyedean to return to its Forest roots which benefited local businesses.

“Together we raised thousands of pounds for local causes with our charity events, including the Forest of Dean Motor Club v Aston Villa Old Boys match in 2012.

“We were also the first people in the UK to run a very successful rally time trial on gravel that allowed co-drivers with Martyn in dual charge of this popular event.

“He co-organised the very successful 40th Wyedean Dinner at Forest Hills that was a 250-seater sell-out, and had a hand in writing the Wyedean book.

“He worked 24/7 on the event for 12 months which is difficult when you’re also self-employed.

“He had huge boots to fill with Philip Turley stepping down after 40 years of being in charge of the event, with Phillip regarded by many as the best clerk of the course in the UK.

“New spectator safety legislation from the governing body RAC MSA made the workload even heavier and attention to detail even more critical, but he leaves no stone un-turned and his attention to the smallest detail.

“The event was a huge success, and received fantastic plaudits from competitors, motorsport press and the RAC themselves.

“He also is a very good driver in his own right with lots of success down the years, as well as supporting his son Jack and daughter Kirsty in their rallying exploits, he will give his time freely to service for friends on rallies, and will even step in to the co-driving seat if needed.

“Martyn Walby is a person no organisation can do without, but its the dedication to the cause over many years that should be recognised.

“It’s the amount of work you have to put in to organise motorsport and charity events that people don’t realise.”