… Mull set for rally invasion …
The normally tranquil Inner Hebridean Isle of Mull will be transformed into the centre of high-speed action next week when it hosts the 45th running of the Tunnock’s Mull Rally.
More than 140 crews — not only from across the UK, but from as far afield as Canada — will tackle the 150-miles of action on the closed-off public roads normally used by islanders, tourists and farmers.
At the head of the field, there are a number of drivers who will battle for overall victory and podium places in the Tunnnock’s Mull Rally, supported by EventScotland.
Seeded one and two, Mull locals and past winners, John MacCrone and Calum Duffy will both be driving Fords — one a two-wheel drive Fiesta R200, the latter his stunning MkII Escort.
And while MacCrone, who won last year in a four-wheel drive Fiesta S2400, is targeting a podium finish and class honours, multiple winner Duffy is aiming to last slightly longer than last year. “Aye, we didn’t last long last year,” Duffy, whose rally ended when he slid off backwards into a ditch on the fourth test, the 2.62-miler at Ardtun, smiled. “We’re definitely aiming to get to the end this year and hopefully win: but it’s going to be tough.”
MacCrone meanwhile is being realistic as he prepares to drive his Castrol-liveried Fiesta R200, prepared by the Carlise-based CA1 team. “We’re definitely going to be down a fair bit on power against the rest of the top five seeds,” the 24-year-old admitted, but we’ll be doing everything we can to maximise the performance of the car.”
Those ‘top five seeds’ are completed by Carlisle’s Peter Taylor, last year’s runner-up; Salen’s Eddie O’Donnell; and Richmond’s Tony Bardy.
But behind them, the field includes some of the fastest Tarmac rally drivers around, who annually flock to test themselves on the dauntingly demanding high-speed test that is the Mull Rally.
And 40 years after making his first, and only trip to tackle the rally, veteran Jimmy McRae will pilot his Ford Escort MkI on the event. The five-times British rally champ, now 70, will be partnered by his longtime co-driver Ian Grindrod. “I always meant to return to do Mull, because we had such a fantastic time when we did it in ’74,” McRae explained. “It’s just a pity it’s taken me so long to come back. But now I’ve made the decision, I can’t wait.”
And while Ireland’s Derek McGeeghan will cross the Irish Sea to tackle the event in his unique, right-hand drive MINI World Rally Car — it’s the only right-hander in the world — the Mathew brother and sister pairing have travelled even further.
Driver Nick (32) and co-driver Kelly (35) have lived in Canada since emigrating here from Lancashire in 1996 with their parents. They’ll tackle the Mull Rally for the first time this year in their Subaru Impreza. The duo had to have their car packed and ready for shipping from Canada 51 days before the start of the rally in Tobermory on the evening of Friday, October 10.
“It was very strange preparing the car for a rally, and then sealing it up knowing we wouldn’t see it again for 51 days,” Kelly laughed, “but we can’t wait to tackle the Mull Rally for the first time. Mull has always been a part of our family; from both parents competing in the event in the 70s before we were even born, to spectating as kids while on holiday there. Our uncle Jeremy Mathew also competed as a co-driver in the 70s & 80s, as well as being a Steward in the mid 80s.”
And Mull resident and Marie Curie Cancer care senior healthcare assistant, Louise Thomas, will compete in her Mini Cooper — resplendent with the charity’s daffodil emblem on it. Partnered by co-driver Melanie Whittaker, she will help raise funds for the Marie Curie Nursing Service, the official charity of the rally.
One of the highlights of the event is the return of a ‘town centre’ special stage, which begins the final leg which runs through Saturday night into Sunday morning. The stage, which meanders through the quaint, sleepy village of Tobermory, will bring the action-packed event right into the heart of the island, and thrill the thousands of spectators and tourists who flock to the island for the event.
“I think we’ve really put together a thrilling and exciting event, not just for the crews who are competing, but also the spectators,” Iain Campbell, Clerk of the Course for the event, explained.
“None of the weekend’s motorsport activity would be possible without the continued support of the residents of the island. They put up with the invasion that arrives during the second week of October every year, and the closure of their roads, with good spirit and a proper Highland welcome.”
“Safety, as always, is paramount, and we have worked closely with Police Scotland to ensure the Tunnock’s Mull Rally is as safe as possible for the crew and the spectators.”
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for events and the Tunnock’s Mull Rally is set to be one of the most spectacular events on the island this year. The sight of cars rallying round Mull will be fantastic, and spectators are certainly in for a treat.”
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