MOTORSPORT FANS were treated to a thrilling weekend of racing as the Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally returned to the Cowal Peninsula, once again securing its reputation as one of the UK’s most scenic and exciting rally events.
With packed spectator zones, a fiercely competitive field, and a sensational maiden victory for Jersey’s Sam Touzel and co-driver Max Freeman, the 2025 edition was one to remember for competitors and fans.
Touzel’s commanding start-to-finish win in his Ford Fiesta Rally2 marked a major breakthrough in his career, his first- ever rally victory outside Jersey and it came on a weekend that showcased some of the best of UK rallying talent.
The action kicked off in unforgettable style on Friday night, as the iconic Dunoon Town Centre stage returned. Hundreds of fans, families, and locals lined the streets
to welcome the rally back to the heart of the town, turning it into a festival of speed and sound. Touzel wasted no time in showing his intent, setting the pace across both passes through the town and establishing a slender early lead over Scottish hopefuls Hugh Brunton/Richard Wardle [VW Polo GTi].
As darkness fell, the rally pushed deeper into the lanes of the Cowal Peninsula, with five further stages in store. Unfazed by the challenge, Touzel was untouchable through the night, topping the timesheets on every test to head into Saturday with a healthy 24-second cushion.
Behind him, the battle for the podium raged fiercely. Hugh Hunter/Rob Fagg [Fiesta Rally2], Rory Young/Jamie Edwards [Skoda Fabia], and Brunton traded seconds all evening, but Hunter’s rally unravelled on Saturday morning when he left the road on the opening test, promoting Young to second and sparking another tight scrap for third. Jason Pritchard/Phil Clarke [Toyota GR Yaris] and Mark McCulloch/ Michael Hendry [Proton Satria] both took turns in the provisional podium places before Brunton ultimately secured third place with a composed run through the final loop.
But there was no catching Touzel, who expertly managed his pace across the final day, extending his lead to just shy of a minute by the finish to claim a hugely popular and well-earned victory. Crowds gathered along the Dunoon seafront to cheer the winners across the line during the official finish celebrations at the Argyll Gardens, bringing a triumphant close to the weekend.
“We’ve finally done it,” said an emotional Touzel at the finish.
“It’s been a massive effort and it’s such a hard rally. The stages are just so tough, well you almost can’t put it into words really. You almost need a different setup for each stage. I’m over the moon right now, there has been such a massive effort from everybody”.
Rory Young secured second overall, with Brunton completing the podium. Pritchard’s Toyota finished a fighting fourth, ahead of McCulloch in fifth. Unfortunately, local hopes were dashed early, as Matthew Youden/Ross Bell retired on Saturday morning in their Citroen Saxo. Fellow Dunoon pairing David and Jenny Robertson delighted crowds with their return to the event in a Ford Fiesta but suffered heartbreak after an early off on the Town Centre stage. Though they rejoined for Saturday’s stages, they weresadly not classified as finishers.
Beyond the on-stage drama, the Argyll Rally once again proved to be a major boost to the region, showcasing the area’s spectacular roads, scenery, and community spirit. With the full support of Dunoon Presents, local authorities, and dozens of businesses, the rally brought vital tourism and economic activity to the area, filling hotels, restaurants, and local shops with visiting fans, teams, and volunteers. The rally’s base at Dunoon Stadium served as a bustling service park and fan hub, while new additions to the route, such as the revamped Bealach Maim and brand-new Millhouses stages, pushed drivers and delighted fans across both days. With safe spectator zones and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere throughout, the rally continues to grow in scale and status.
Organised and promoted by Mull Car Club and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, the 2025 edition confirmed Argyll’s place as one of the UK’s premier closed-road motorsport events.
Colin Moulson, manager of Dunoon Presents explained: “Two of the BID project’s original (and still to this day) aspirations are: To create compelling reasons/activity for people outwith Dunoon to visit and to be the catalyst for economic impact directly linked to that activity.
“It is clear that both of those objectives were more than fulfilled last week with the Argyll Rally and the ‘circus’ it brings to the town.
We expect the income generated locally as a direct result of the Argyll Rally to be close to £500,000 and this is crucial extra income for the area. Without the sponsorship of the rally via the business community aka Dunoon Presents, this would simply not be possible.”
Colin added: “The event has everything a semi rural town needs and thrives on: visitors with disposable income, excitement, drama, a vibrancy and spectator friendly free viewing. Add to that, the weather gods shone on the Cowal Peninsula last week and the stage was ready made for a memorable few days of motorsport and so it transpired.
“I was particularly struck by the evident support for the local crews participating and although luck and good fortune did not prove to be on their side, they all received a super supportive reaction from the local community.
“Plans are already in motion for the 2026 Argyll Rally and Dunoon is well and truly at the ‘top table’ of Scottish motorsport.”
