… RSAC Scottish Rally, Dumfries, 24/25 June …
Next weekend’s RSAC Scottish Rally will be the fourth round of this year’s ARR Craib Scottish Rally Championship, but the entry will be spiced up by visitors from the deep south and across the water, both westwards and eastwards, and even northwards!
There are just four Scots amongst the top ten seeds, David Bogie, Euan Thorburn, no doubt hoping for some better luck, Jock Armstrong and Garry Pearson.
Fresh from his win on the Donegal National Rally last weekend in his Escort Mk2, David Bogie is pretty upbeat ahead of this weekend’s event, although he will be switching from tarmac and 2WD to gravel and 4WD in the Skoda: “The aim is to win the Scottish Rally. I’m playing my BRC Joker, which is something Elfyn Evans and Fredrik Åhlin have already done and won with, so it’s important we do well to keep our championship title hopes alive. We put in a good performance last time out in the ŠKODA Fabia R5 on the Pirelli Rally, so I see no reason why we can’t win and double up a maximum points-score this time out. Dumfries is my home town and the stages are only twenty to thirty miles away from my house, and even though there have been some new bits added to the route, I know the stages reasonably well. I know where the bad bits are and where it’s safe to push, but after two passes on the recce, drivers like Elfyn and Fredrik will know that too. I’ll have a lot of family and friends out watching the event, so I’ll be trying my best and aiming for victory.”
Pirelli Rally winner Fredrik Åhlin is relishing the idea of new forests: “I’m feeling very relaxed about returning to the BRC as leader, which is good because I am always at my best when I’m relaxed. Like all the rallies in the BRC, I have never done the Scottish before and know very little about it. I’m looking forward to the recce and seeing the stages for the first time. I never look at on-board videos from other drivers – I prefer to see the stages for the first time on the recce to get my own first impression, and then I put a lot of energy into looking at my own on-boards and fine-tuning the pace notes. I started doing this after I crashed twice in Finland – my notes were too aggressive and optimistic because I’d formed an option of the stages based on other people’s on-boards, so now I never do that. My strategy is to try and maintain the lead of the BRC until the end of the year, so I don’t plan to take huge risks in Scotland. I want to keep Elfyn [Evans] under pressure and for sure David [Bogie] will be very quick. Those are two very big contenders in Scotland, and for me I’ll just try to stay relaxed and do my best.”
There are 8 stages this year in Ae and Eskdalemuir with Spectator locations and directions listed below. As ever, please be sensible out there, and as you all know there are new restrictions in place regarding spectating. An MSA appointed Safety Delegate will be running ahead of the rally and if he doesn’t like where spectators are standing and they won’t move when asked, then he has to power to stop the stage until they do so, or cancel it altogether. No argument, so please be polite and please comply with guidance and instructions. And if you struggle with ‘the reading’ then you can look at ‘the pictures’ on the RSAC Scottish Rally website which has maps at:
http://www.scottishrally.co.uk/spectators/spectator-viewing-zones/
SS2, CASTLE O’ER: First Car Due 09:20
Parking is available within the forest. Approach via the B723 from Lockerbie or Eskdalemuir and turn into the forest as shown on the map – Look for the green ‘Spectator’ arrows. Please take care – this is also the competitor access to the stage.
Turn right again to the car park area. There is limited parking overlooking the stage for early birds.
Please park sensibly to one side of the road. Exit the car park by the same route – please give way to competitors on your way out.
The viewing area is beside the car park. Please do not attempt to cross the burn as this is a prohibited area for safety reasons.
SS4, GUBHILL RIG: First car Due 12:10
SS7, KNOCKENSHANG: First car due 16:00
Arrive early for the best vantage point and parking space. Parking is at the Ae picnic area from where you can walk to the popular viewing area at a tight hairpin left. Follow the unclassified road from Ae Bridgend on the A701, keep straight on through the crossroads at Ae Village and then look out for the forestry signs to the Ae Valley car park on your right.
The area will be very busy. Please drive slowly and with caution, particularly through Ae Village. Please DO NOT use the unclassified road from Parkgate.
SS5 RIVOX: First Car Due 13:15
SS8 MOUNT JOE: First car due 17:00
Access to the spectator area is off the B7076, 2.6 miles north of A74(M) Junction 15/A701. This venue gives extended and close up views of the cars through a fast section towards the end of the stages.
The B7076 must not be obstructed. Park only on the northbound side and as far onto the verge as you can. There is no vehicle access to the stage.
It is just over a half of a mile to walk (including a steep climb at the end) from the public road but is worth it. Please follow the instructions of the marshals at the stage crossing point.
SORRY, BUT THIS VIEWING AREA AND THE ACCESS ROUTE TO IT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ANYONE OF LIMITED MOBILITY, NOR FOR PUSH CHAIRS OR SIMILAR.
● Please do not attempt to reach any locations other than those shown on the website.
● Please park sensibly.
● Do not obstruct public roads or access for emergency vehicles, residents and other members of the public.
And it goes without saying, please take all your litter home and leave the stages as you’d like to find them next year.
FULL ENTRY LIST:
1, Elfyn Evans/Craig Parry (Dolgellau/Newtown) Ford Fiesta R5, 1600cc, BRC1
2, Fredrik Ahlin/Morten Erik Abrahamsen (Sweden/Norway) Ford Fiesta R5 Evo, 1600, BRC1
3, David Bogie/Kevin Rae (Dumfries/Hawick) Skoda Fabia R5, 1600, BRC1
4, Tom Cave/James Morgan (Aberdovey/Aberdare) Ford Fiesta R5 EVO, 1598, BRC1
5, Josh Moffett/John Rowan (Monaghan/Cushendall) Ford Fiesta R5, 1600, BRC1
6, Desi Henry/Liam Moynihan (Portglenone/Millstreet) Skoda Fabia R5, 1600, BRC1
7, Jonathan Greer/Kirsty Riddick (Belfast/Castle Douglas) Citroen DS3 R5, 1600, BRC1
8, Euan Thorburn/Paul Beaton (Duns/Inverness) Peugeot 208 T16, 1600, 13
9, Jock Armstrong/Paula Swinscoe (Castle Douglas/Withnell) Subaru Impreza, 1998, 12
10, Garry Pearson/Robbie Mitchell (Duns/Duns) Ford Fiesta, 1600, 13
11, Rhys Yates/Tom Woodburn (Chesterfield/Morecambe) Ford Fiesta R5, 1600, BRC1
12, Jamie Anderson/Ross Whittock (Ellistown/Bath) Ford Fiesta R5, 1600, BRC1
14, Ollie Mellors/Ian Windress (Bakewell/Northallerton) Proton Satria Neo S2000, 1998, BRC1
15, Matt Edwards/Will Rogers (Old Colwyn/Cinderford) Mitsubishi Evo 9, 1998, BRC2
16, Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy (Wigton/Bingley) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, 2000, 11
17, Shaun Sinclair/Stephen O’Hanlon (Oban/Dungannon) Subaru S9 WRC, 0, 13
18, Thomas Preston/Jack Morton (Earby/Hexham) Skoda Fabia R5, 1600, BRC1
19, Donnie MacDonald/Andrew Falconer (Inverness/Inverness) Mitsubishi Evo 9, 1997, N6
20, Bruce McCombie/Michael Coutts (Banchory/Torphins) Mitsubishi Evo, 1998, 12
21, Mark McCulloch/Michael Hendry (Dumfries/Archiestown) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, 1998, 12
22, Rory Young/TBC (Dumfries/TBA) Ford Fiesta, 1600, 13
23, Robert Blomberg/Lars Andersson (Trollhattan/Gothenburg) Mitsubishi Mirage R5, 1600, N7
24, Fred Milne/Chris Williams (Banchory/Millom) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9, 1997, 12
25, Steven Clark/Steve Pugh (Mostyn/Aberystwyth) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5, 1993, 12
26, Andrew Gallacher/Jane Nicol (Hurlford/Edinburgh) Mitsubishi Evo 8, 1998, 12
27, Alex Laffey/Andrew Roughead (Market Harborough.Newcastle) Ford Fiesta R5 Evo, 1600, BRC1
28, Jamie Jukes/Dave Williams (Llanysul/Mold) Mitsubishi Mirage , 1598, N7
29, Barry Groundwater/Sean Donnelly (Stonehaven/Elgin) Mitsubishi Evo X, 2000, 12
30, Niall Henry/Damien Duffin (Portglenone/TBA) Mitsubishi Lancer, 2, 12
31, Scott McCombie/Mark Fisher (Banchory/Workington) Mitsubishi Evo 9, 1998, 12
32, John Wink/John Forrest (Huntly/Inverurie) Mitsubishi Evo IX, 1999, 11
33, Fraser Wilson/Craig Wallace (Port William/Kirriemuir) Mitsubishi Evo 9, 1998, 10
34, Alasdair S Graham/Laura Stuart (Paisley/Alford) Mitsubishi Evo 9, 2000, 10
35, Ross MacDonald/Matthew Johnstone (Conon Bridge/Aberdeen) Mitsubishi Evo VIII, 2000, 12
36, Matthew Robinson/Sam Collis (Ripon/Hull) Fiat 131 S, 1995, 6
37, Scott MacBeth/Gordon Chalmers (Rosemarkie/Inverness) Mitsubishi Evo 7, 1998, 11
38, Greg McKnight/Chris McKnight (Penpont/Dumfries) Mitsubishi Evo 9, 1997, 12
39, John Morrison/Peter Carstairs (Conon Bridge/St Andrews) Mitsubishi Evo 9, 1998, N6
40, Scott Mutch/Greg McDonald (Elgin/Mosstodloch) Subaru GC8, 2000, 11
41, Robert Duggan/Ger Conway (Killarney/Killarney) Vauxhall ADAM, 1598, Junior BRC
42, Mattias Adielsson/Andreas Johansson (Sweden/Sweden) Vauxhall ADAM, 1598, Junior BRC
43, Sindre Furuseth/Jim Hjerpe (Raaholt/TBA) Renault Twingo R2, 1598, Junior BRC
44, Adam Bustard/Aaron Johnston (Castlederg/Fintona) Ford Fiesta R2T, 998, Junior BRC
45, Ian Baumgart/Mike Dickson (Hawick/Galashiels) Subaru Impreza, 1998, 11
46, Iain Wilson/Keith Riddick (Dalbeattie/Haugh of Urr) Subaru Impreza, 2000, 11
47, Michael Binnie/Claire Mole (Cornhill/Duns) Mitsubishi EVO 5, 1997, 11
48, Meirion Evans/Jonathan Jackson (Lampeter/Warwick) Ford Fiesta R2T, 998, Junior BRC
49, Josh Cornwell/Dai Roberts (Dorking/Pontyberem) Ford Fiesta R2, 1, Junior BRC
50, Nigel Feeney/Abi Louden (Monkton/Aberdeen) Subaru Impreza, 1998, N6
51, Lee Hastings/Julie McGuire (Dumfries/Grangemouth) Subaru Impreza, 1998, N6
52, Gee Atherton/Keaton Williams (TBA/Ludlow) Ford Fiesta R2, 1598, BRC4
53, Brian Watson/Caroline Will (Stonehaven/Kintore) Mitsubishi Evo, 2000, 12
54, Fraser Louden/Charley Sayer-Payne (Tain/Glasgow) Mitsubishi Evo IX, 2000, 12
55, Blair Brown/Richard Simmonds (Kinross/Duns) Ford Fiesta R2T, 998, Junior BRC
56, Tony Simpson/Ian Bevan (Liverpool/Holywell) Ford Fiesta, 2000, BRC4
57, Graeme Schoneville/TBA (Bothwell/TBA) Honda Civic Type R, 2000, 7
58, Martyn Jones/Martin Burns (Kirkmichael/TBA) Vauxhall Nova GSI, 1798, 7
59, Keith Morris/Martin Forrest (Aberdeen/Aberdeen) Mitsubishi Evo 6, 1997, 12
60, Simon Hay/Calum Jaffray (Aberdeen/Torphins) Mitsubishi Evo 6, 2000, 11
61, Alasdair Anderson/Richard Sutherland (Fortrose/Brora) Subaru Impreza, 2000, 11
62, Grant Inglis/Robert Gray (Glasgow/Glasgow) Ford Escort Mk 2, 1998, 8
63, Gordon Murray/David O’Brien (Perth/Duns) Ford Escort Mk2, 2300, 9
64, Angus Lawrie/Paul Gribben (Castle Douglas/Annan) Vauxhall Corsa, 1400, 2
65, James Gibb/Ian Robson (Kilmarnock/St Boswells) Ford Fiesta, 1993, 12
66, Duncan MacDonald/Neil Ross (Portree/Portree) Ford Escort Mk2, 2000, 8
67, David Hutchinson/Jeff Garnett (Ripon/Bolton) Ford Escort Mk2, 2300, 9
68, Alexander Curran/Laura Marshall (Kirkcowan/Newton Stewart) Vauxhall Corsa, 1600, 4
69, Nick Carr/Joe Sturdy (York/Oxford) TBA, Junior BRC
70, Chris Wheeler/Yan Griffiths (Torquay/Pontypridd) Citroen DS3 R3T, 1600, BRC3
71, Guy Tyler/Steven Fisher (Australia/Australia) Ford Fiesta, 1598, Junior BRC
72, Umberto Accornero/Nicolas Arena (Brighton/TBA) Ford Fiesta R2T, 998, Junior BRC
73, John McIlwraith/Scott Young (Canonbie/Duns) Ford Escort RS, 1997, 5
74, Kevin Gray/Daniel Christie (Invergordon/Insch) Vauxhall Astra, 1998, 7
75, Barry Jordan/James Gratton-Smith (Newark/Chesterfield) Talbot Sunbeam lotus, 2179, 6
76, Jim Robertson/Colin Maxwell (Penpont/Dumfries) Citroen C2R2, 1600, 4
77, Murray Coulthard/John Frew (Twynholm/Tarbolton) Citroen C2R2 MAX, 1598, 4
78, Ian Graham/Damien Duffin (Portglenone /Rasharkin) TBA, 12
79, Billy Thomson/Steve Perry (Glenlochar/Bishop Auckland) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9, 2000, 11
80, Duncan Ferguson/Janice Ferguson (Dalmellington/Dalmellington) Ford Escort BDG, 1975, 6
81, Matthew Thomson/Ian Graham (Inverurie/Inverurie) Subaru Impreza GC8, 2000, 11
82, Geoff Goudie/Nicola Ritchie (Lerwick/Lerwick) Subaru Impreza, 2000, 11
83, Drew MacDonald/Peter Macinnes (Garve/Tore) Subaru Impreza, 2000, N6
84, Linzi Henderson/TBA (Carnwath/TBA) Subaru Impreza, 1998, 11
85, Scott McMinn/TBA (Kilmarnock/TBA) TBA, 11
86, Duncan Campbell/Gavin Chisholm (Mauchline/Kilmarnock) Subaru Impreza, 1998, 11
87, Donald Peacock/Scott Peacock (Bridge of Dee/Br of Dee) Peugeot 205 GTI, 1600, 3
88, Sandy Arbuthnott/Ian Arbuthnott (Elgin/Forres) Ford Escort Mk2, 2100, 9
89, David Martin/Neil Ewing (Belford/TBA) Citroen C2, 1587, 4
90, Donald Brooker/Rachel Brooker (Ballater/Aberdeen) BMW 130i, 2996, 9
91, Ross Carbry/Craig Service (Carluke/Newton Stewart) Vauxhall Corsa , 1400, 2
92, Andy Chalmers/Martin MacCabe (Fyvie/Glasgow) Ford Escort, 1998, 5
93, Gina Walker/Edwin Cook (Duns/Lamplugh) Citroen C2, 1600, 4
94, Graeme Sherry/Cameron Fair (Gartcosh/Stewarton) Citroen C2, 1587, 4
95, Caroline Carslaw/Ross Williams (Dunlop/Tobermory) Ford Fiesta ST, 1999, 7
96, Niall Cowan Jnr/Amanda Morrison (Dumfries/Mull) MG ZR, 1398, 2
97, Alan Cowan/Katie Stimpson (Duns/Haddenham) Vauxhall Astra, 1998, 7
98, Robbie Beattie/David Finlay (Dundee/Blairgowrie) Peugeot 205 GTi , 1580, 3
99, John MacLeod/Seumas MacLean (Portree/Portree) Ford Focus, 2000, 7
100, Grant MacRae/Jennifer MacKinnon (Portree/Kilmuir) Peugeot 205 rallye, 1360, 2
101, Alex Ian Milne/Alex B Milne (Brechin/Brechin) Ford Escort Mk2, 1998, 6
102, Iain Mutch/Orrin McDonnell (Uig/Staffin) Vauxhall Astra Gsi, 2000, 7
103, Andy Struthers/Alasdair McIlroy (Libberton/Jedburgh) Citroen C2 VTS, 1598, 4
104, Thomas Gray/TBA (Tore/TBA) Ford Fiesta R2, 1600, 4
105, Luke McLaren/Phil Kenny (Blanefield/Sunderland) Peugeot 205, 1600, 3
106, Thaarique Fazal/Amanda Burney (Gretna/Castle Douglas) Vauxhall Nova, 1400, N1
107, Nabila Tejpar/Alister Crook (Maldon/Hove) Ford Fiesta , 1600, Junior BRC
108, James Stephenson/Simon Pickard (TBA) Talbot Sunbeam , Ti, 1600, 6
109, Alasdair Currie/Steven Brown (Tobermory/Fort William) Peugeot 205, 1580, 3
110, Alan McMorran/Mark Grierson Castle Douglas/TBA) Chrysler Avenger, 1600, 6
111, Douglas Cameron/David Cameron (Glasgow/Old Kilpatrick) Peugeot 205 GTi, 1580, 3
112, Gareth Dalgliesh/Kenneth Dalgliesh (Turriff/Turriff) Subaru Impreza, 2000, 11
113, Keith Seager/Mark Runciman (Hamilton/East Kilbride) BMW Compact 318Ti, 1796, 8
114, Allan Young/Sinclair Young (Lairg/Lairg) Peugeot 205, 1600, 3
115, Ross Hughes/Kirsten Dallas (Lanark/King’s Lynn) Citroen C2 VTS, 1587, 4
116, Blair Thomson/John Gage (Huntly/TBA) Land Rover Wolf XD, 2500, 14
117, Ben de Ronde/Mark Robertson (Luton/Hartlepool) Land Rover Wolf XD, 2500, 14
118, Chris McCarthy/Andy Carter (Stokesley/Braunton) Land Rover Wolf XD, 2500,
119, Clive Allford/Terry Smallbone (Alverston/Tidworth) Land Rover Wolf XD, 2500,
120, Keith Sharlott/Keith Harvey (Tidworth/TBA) Land Rover Wolf XD, 2500,
121, Alan Paramore/Tyrone Westall (Wellington/TBA) Land Rover Wolf XD, 2500,
122, Phil Jobson/TBA (Carlisle/TBA) Ford Escort Mk1, 1975, 6
123, Darren Martin/Martin Steele (Longtown/Longtown) Mitsubishi Evo 9, 1998, 12