FROM FIRST-TIME competitors chasing a dream, to returning crews looking for redemption, this year’s event will see familiar local faces at the start line — each with their own story to tell.
For Stuart McNee and Angela Kerr, this year’s rally marks a major milestone as they prepare to compete for the very first time in theircar,affectionatelyknownas‘Lola’.
The pair have long been motorsport fans and when the Argyll Rally returned to their own doorstep and more local crews began taking part, they decided it was time to swap spectating for competing.
They explained: “We have always had an interest in rallying and been regular spectators at the Jim Clark and Mull rally.
“When the Argyll Rally returned to the area and local teams started to enter it was a case of ‘now or never’.”
Getting Lola ready for the stages has been a labour of love, with the last eight months spent transforming the car into a rally-ready machine.
They said: “The car is now fully MSUK logbooked and ready. We, on the other hand can only wish we have had eight months prep. Our helmets only arrived on Monday. Getting used to wearing them in the car is a totally new experience and learning the pace notes is like learning a new language — then having to speak it and understand it at speed.”
While the nerves have not fully kicked in, they know things may feel different when they line up at the start.
For now, they say the biggest feeling has been gratitude after receiving huge support locally.
They added: “The excitement has come from the local businesses and community who have really gotten behind us.
“We cannot believe the support from everyone, it has been incredible.”
With 16 stages across two days awaiting them, Stuart and Angela have a clear goal for their first rally — reaching the finish.
They said: “Success for us will be a finish. It will be a tough and challenging experience. There are 16 stages over two days so there is no room to switch off.
It will be a real learning curve for us both and we are hoping to enjoy it, get to the finish line and want to enter again next year.”
