The country’s top rally crews will descend on Dumfries and Galloway this weekend for the RSAC Scottish Rally.
More than 100 are expected for the event, which will be based at Lockerbie service park and involve some challenging forest stages.
And while the rally is back after being cancelled last year, sadly the coronavirus pandemic mean spectators are not allowed out to watch the action at iconic locations such as Twiglees, Ae or Gill Knowe. They’re also banned from the service park.
And that’s a shame as there is a good chance of a home victory, with the top two crews on the seeded entry list from Dumfries and Galloway.
Leading the hunt for overall victory is multiple Scottish Rally champ David Bogie, who will be joined in his WRC-spec Mini by John Rowan. One slot behind is Castle Douglas’ Armstrong, who is sticking with the Ford Fiesta R5 he used for the first time on the Dunoon Rally last month. Cammy Fair will once again be on the pace notes.
Seeded ninth is another Ford Fiesta R5, this time belonging to Kirkgunzeon’s Rory Young.
There’s set to be some fierce competition further down the field in the older Ford Escort Mk2s, with Dumfries’ Mark McCulloch taking on Dalbeattie’s Iain Wilson. A newer ford Escort is entered by Penpont’s Jim Robertson and Annan’s Paul Gribben.
Haugh of Urr brother and sister Keith and Mairi Riddick are competing in an MG ZR. Their competition includes the similar car of Niall Cowan Jr from Auldgirth and Callum Shanks from Castle Douglas, as well as an MG from Niall’s dad – also Niall.
Peter Stewart from Dumfries is joined by Harry Marchbank in his Peugeot 208 and there’s a similar car from Dumfries’ Richard Stewart.
Stewartry father and son Donald and Scott Peacock are out in a Peugeot 205, with their competition including the similar car of Dalbeattie pair Bryan and Scott Gourlay.
And Stranraer duo Martyn Erskine and Mark Burgess are competing in a Peugeot 206.
This year’s RSAC Scottish Rally is the 75th and as well as being part of the KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally Championship, it is also a round of the MRF Tyres BTRDA Rally Series and the MRF Mixed Surface Challenge. There will also be the Land Rovers from the British Army Motorsports Association.
The rally is supported by the council and is classed as one of their signature events.
Events champion, Councillor Adam Wilson, said: “The dedication of RSAC Motorsport to put on this rally is highly impressive and their work has provided a platform for everyone involved with this event to take part in the sport they love.
“The rally will be very different this year, as it is to take place without spectators, many of whom will have followed this and other rallies for many years. It is so disappointing that we are not yet at the point of our country’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic that the Scottish Rally can attract crowds to its stages. I am sure, however, that running this rally is the right decision and will whet the appetite of all concerned for the return of spectators in 2022.”
