THE ROAR of engines will return to Cowal next weekend as the Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally prepares to bring some of the country’s top rally drivers back to the peninsula.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line the stages as one of Scotland’s biggest motorsport events returns on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20.
This year’s rally is set to be one of the biggest yet, with around 120 crews signed up to tackle Argyll’s famous closed- road stages — a major increase on the 93 competitors who started last year’s event.
Drivers and teams from across the UK and Ireland will descend on Dunoon for a weekend which has quickly become one of the highlights of the Scottish rally calendar.
Organised by Mull Car Club, the event has continued to grow since coming to Cowal, bringing visitors, competitors and supporters into the area while showcasing Dunoon and the surrounding communities to a national audience.
Dunoon Stadium will once again become the rally headquarters for the weekend, hosting event administration, vehicle checks and the service area where fans can see teams working on cars between stages.
One of the biggest attractions will return on Friday evening when rally cars take on two runs of the famous Dunoon town centre stage.
The unique stage, the only town centre rally stage in Scotland, has become a favourite with spectators as cars race through the heart of Dunoon surrounded by huge crowds.
A large screen will also return to the town centre, giving spectators the chance to follow action from across the rally route alongside live interviews, updates and event coverage.
After the town centre stages, crews will head out onto Cowal’s challenging rural roads for five further special stages as the opening night continues into the evening.
Saturday’s action begins from Dunoon Stadium at 8am, with competitors facing nine more stages throughout the day. After a lunchtime service halt at around 11.30am, crews will return to the roads for the final stages before arriving back in Dunoon for the ceremonial finish and champagne celebrations from around 5pm.
This year’s event has attracted a strong field from a number of major competitions, including the Scottish Rally Championship, Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship and British Historic Rally Championship.
Among those fighting for victory will be British Rally Championship competitor Garry Pearson alongside co-driver Jack Morton, who will swap his Ford Fiesta for a Skoda Fabia for the Cowal stages.
Rory Young and Allan Cathers will return after securing a podium finish in Dunoon last year, while Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke bring their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 back to Argyll.
Classic rally fans will also have plenty to enjoy, with the British Historic Rally Championship bringing a collection of iconic machinery, including spectacular Ford Escort Mk2s.
There will also be local interest as Cowal crews take on their home roads.
David and Jenny Robertson return for their fourth attempt at the rally in their Ford Fiesta, while Matthew Youden and Ross Bell will compete in their Citroen Saxo and first timers Stuart McNee and Angela Kerr in their car ‘Lola’.
Organisers say the continued success of the rally would not be possible without the support of local communities, residents, businesses, Dunoon Presents, Argyll and Bute Council and the many volunteers who help deliver the event.
Spectator information, road details and event updates are available through the official Argyll Rally website and social media channels.
