Since 1977 a team from Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead Motor Clubs have created an occasion which has brought together teams from over the country. They are joined on the day by hoards of spectators and supporters who flock to West Somerset to experience this unique annual spectacle taking place in the Brendon Hills.

Now enjoying national status, the Somerset Stages has developed over the years to become a meticulously organised and successful event. First held in 1977 as a club event, the rally has seen motorsport at its most popular, in the mid to late eighties, through the recessional times when other rallies began to disappear. Due to a successful format and continual process of development, the Somerset Stages has withstood the test of time and is now the well established national championship event it is today.

During its 24 years, some of the organising team may have changed, But the event still retains a core of highly motivated enthusiasts who possess a wealth of motorsport knowledge and experience.

Since it began, the rally has used the West Somerset sea-side resort of Minehead as its base, bringing with it a welcome injection of revenue to the town in the quieter out-of-season months. The competition takes place in the serene forests of the Brendon Hill, using the gravel tracks managed by the Forestry Commission.

Over the years the rally has seen a consistently high number of competitors making the trip to Somerset, with the figure reaching as high as 140 cars. In 1992 and 1999 the rally became a round of the Peugeot Challenge and has also played host to the Nissan Micra series and the Daihatsu Rally Challenge. 1996 saw the BTRDA National Rally Championship come to Somerset for the first time, the rally retaining this prestigious status to the present day.

The hosting of these national series' has introduced many competitors to the unique experience of the West Country forests. With it's variety of roads, the beautiful surroundings and the friendly atmosphere, everyone remembers their visit to the Somerset Stages.

The 2001 event was unfortunately cancelled due to the Foot & Mouth epidemic. However the event was back in 2002 with the running of the 24th Somerset Stages.