Scottish rally thrills in Granite Town

THE Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship switched from the tarmac to the gravel for round four of the 2025 season, the RSAC Scottish Rally at Dalbeattie. Taking maximum SRC points over the six stages, Dumfries driver David Bogie and Kirsty Riddick – Castle Douglas – made their usual fast start, blasting into an early lead by first service. The middle loop saw them make their only real mistake, the Skoda Fabia crew surviving a big spin in the first run of the Dalbeattie stage. That left them tied for the SRC lead with two stages left, two fastest times pulling them clear of the chasing pack to win by 13 seconds at the finish. Championship leaders coming into this round, Mark McCulloch –Dumfries – and Michael Hendry were not even sure if they were going to contest the Scottish. They were very glad they did, right in the mix at the top all day. Tied for the SRC lead after four stages, they could not quite get in front of Bogie and Riddick but still took a fantastic second in the SRC points. Scott Beattie and Peredur Davies grabbed third in the SRC at the finish. There was an absolutely cracking battle for the G and M Mechanical Services two wheel drive (2wd) and challengers wins. Paddy Munro and Andrew Stevenson earned a well-earned double 2wd and challengers win. Fourth in the 2wds, Steve Bannister and Callum Atkinson were back in the championship, losing out on a 2wd podium by 17 seconds. Third historic car home in the event was enough for Steve to take a 2nd win of the year in the Haddo Energy Super Seniors. The lady driver division was a private Peugeot 208 battle between Natalie Robinson and Sam Collis and Christina Robinson and Grum Willcock. Both drivers experienced visits to the scenery, sacrificing front bumpers in the process. At the end of the day, it was Natalie and Sam who came out on top. Natalie’s strong drive also landed her top honours in the Moates Offshore Juniors championship.