SECURING a ride in the Wales Rally GB this October would be an ambition realised for Tom Wood, but getting more people into his sport is something the co-driver is also eager to do.

Wood has been competing in rallying since he was 16, travelling around Europe to take part in events in Belgium, Estonia and Ireland, as well as becoming involved behind the scenes.

Now 25, Wood, a member of Forresters Car Club, based in his hometown of Cwmbran, will be putting his motorsport skills, both in and out of the car, to good effect this weekend.

On Saturday, he navigates for Alan Desbois at the North Wales Rally, before returning south to be a marshal for the Forresters-organised Tour of Caergwent meeting on Sunday.

Rallying has always been in Wood’s genes – his dad was also a co-driver – and he is keen to spread the gospel as he targets success on a personal level.

“Rallying was huge years ago,” he said. “It’s still popular but isn’t as big as it used to be.

“I eat, sleep and breathe rallying and try to be an ambassador for the sport to promote it as much as I can.

“It is good for team building, you meet a lot of new people, and you get to go to places you wouldn’t usually be able to – you also get to watch a rally at the same time.

“A massive thing about being involved in rallying is appreciating road safety.

“Rallying gives you the chance to drive fast in a controlled environment rather than going over the speed limit on the roads.

“And the sport isn’t as expensive as you might think. You can hire or borrow equipment off people without having to spend much money.”

He added: “I want to attract more people to motorsport but I also have ambitions as a co-driver – I want to be a world champion.

“Some people might say that’s too hard to achieve but if you listen to those people and don’t go for it then you’ll never know what you could have achieved.

“My goal for this year is to take part in the Wales Rally GB, which is something I’ve never competed in before.”

Anyone interested in rallying, or motorsport in general, can join Wood and his fellow Forresters members at Croesyceiliog Cricket & Rugby Club every Thursday (8.30pm).

A full list of the country’s motor clubs can be found at wamc.org.uk