The KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally Championship roars back into action this weekend.
Crews from across Dumfries and Galloway will be heading north for the AM Phillip Trucktech Snowman Rally, the first of eight rounds scheduled between now and October.
Castle Douglas’ Jock Armstrong just missed out on a third title last year and he is back for another go, this time in his trusty Subaru Impreza, with co-driver Cammy Fair.
Competition for the title will come from multiple champion David Bogie of Dumfries, who will have Kevin Rae on the notes in his WRC-spec Mini.
Other competitors heading north include Dumfries’ Mark McCulloch, who won the two-wheel drive championship last year, in a Proton Satria and Angus Lawrie from Castle Douglas in his Mitsubishi Evo 9. He’ll be joined by Annan’s Paul Gribben, who won the Albyn Garage Challengers co-drivers title last season.
The drivers title in that class was won by Peter Stewart of Dumfries and he is looking for more success in the Pro2 in his Peugeot 208, which will be navigated by Harry Marchbank of Dumfries. A similar car is entered for Dumfries’ Richard Stewart.
There’s lots of local interest in the M2 category. Keith and Mairi Riddick from Haugh of Urr are competing in a MG ZR, as is Castle Douglas’ Scott Peacock and co-driver Craig Wallace. Robert Proudlock of Dumfries will be competing in a Vauxhall Adam. And Stranraer duo Martyn Erskine and Kieran Hyslop are in the C2 class in a Peugeot 206 Cup.
Saturday’s Snowman Rally is based in Dingwall, with competitors testing themselves over 43 stage miles.
This year’s championship will feature two rounds in Dumfries and Galloway. The first is the RSAC Scottish Rally, based in Moffat and takes place on July 23.
The championship’s finale is due to end with the Carlisle Stages on October 22.
