The AM Phillip Trucktech Snowman Rally proved to be an exciting spectacle, with fierce competition across all classes within the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship. Despite some setbacks and surprises, the event delivered thrilling action as drivers fought for valuable points, championship titles, and podium finishes. Here’s a deep dive into the standout performances across the various classes.
Class C3: Tonge and Brearley go head-to-head
After clinching a class win at the Grampian, Robert Tonge was determined to repeat his success at the Snowman Rally—an event he had never finished before. Partnered with Graeme Harris in the MG, Tonge stayed competitive all day, finishing 42nd overall and securing top C3 driver points.
Meanwhile, Alistair Brearley and co-driver Richard Wardle kept pace with Tonge throughout the day. Particularly comfortable on the twisty stages, they secured 46th overall and, crucially, maximum class points for Richard—enough to crown them Class C3 champions.
Class C5: Anderson’s comeback from Argyll crash
Jordan Anderson, returning from a major crash in Argyll, made a triumphant comeback alongside seasoned co-driver Chris Wareham. Though they had a slow start, hindered by Wareham’s carsickness during the first loop, they gradually found their rhythm and secured 18th overall—taking maximum driver points for Anderson.
Elsewhere, Graham Kelman/Mike Grant in their Subaru Impreza had a close call on SS2, plunging into a ditch and losing 20 seconds to the leaders. Despite the setback, they completed the event in 32nd overall, building on their solid performance at the Grampian.
Class M1: A battle of MG ZRs
The M1 category saw one of the closest fights of the rally, featuring two MG ZRs. Niall Cowan Jnr/Charley Sayer-Payne excelled on the tighter stages, while Alan Scott/Shaina Archibald were quicker on the faster sections. With two fastest stage times each, Cowan Jnr held a 21-second lead going into the final test. However, overheating issues cost Scott and Archibald three minutes on the last stage, handing Cowan Jnr the win and top driver points.
Class M2: Macleod’s triumph and Meghan O’Kane’s championship glory
Following a stellar performance at Mull, Owen Macleod/Ryan Urquhart carried their momentum into the Snowman Rally, pushing their Peugeot 205 to the limit. Despite needing to nurse the car through rough sections, they claimed the M2 class win and 34th overall, with Ryan securing maximum junior co-driver points.
Meanwhile, Meghan O’Kane and her father John O’Kane took second in the class, enough for Meghan to clinch both the M2 and Junior Championship titles.
Class M3: A new era for Thomas Bell
In only his second outing with his ex-Meghan O’Kane Ford Fiesta, Thomas Bell demonstrated increasing confidence, aided by co-driver Liam Richardson. The pair steadily improved throughout the day, finishing 43rd overall with maximum driver points.
Callum Atkinson/Nikki Addison took 28th, overcoming a few close calls with ditches. Their quick response to Duncan Campbell/Michael Cruickshank’s mid-stage fire proved crucial in saving the stricken car.
Class M4: Smith’s redemption with a new co-driver
With regular co-driver Charlotte McDowall sidelined by illness, Fraser Smith partnered with Josh Davison for the Snowman Rally. After struggling with mechanical issues all season, Smith finally had a trouble-free run, holding the Escort at the rev limiter in 6th gear for several seconds to secure the class win by just five seconds. His 22nd overall finish keeps him in the hunt for the class title against Paddy Munro, whose navigator Andrew Stevenson has already sealed the co-driver championship.
Class M5: Wilson and Gordon shine on gravel debut
David Wilson and Kyle Gordon made a stunning gravel debut in their BMW M3, finishing 12th overall and securing wins in both the 2WD and Challengers categories. Despite facing gearbox trouble late in the event, they kept their title hopes alive, with several crews still in contention for the M5 crown.
Class M6: Cotton wraps up the Subaru Cup
Chasing both the Groundwater Lift Trucks Subaru Cup and the Challengers title, Rob Cotton/Ethan Kidd delivered a top-notch performance, finishing 13th overall and 11th among SRC crews. Cotton remarked on the thrill of using 6th gear in the woods for the first time. Their result secured both the M6 and Subaru Cup titles, wrapping up a stellar first season.
Class H1: McLeod returns to form
After a disappointing retirement at the Grampian, David McLeod/Eamonn Boyle rebuilt their Avenger’s rear suspension and came back stronger at the Snowman Rally. Although their 1600cc engine and 4-speed gearbox struggled on faster sections, they were pleased with 38th overall, marking a solid return.
Class H2: Peacock and Riddick’s determination
Despite setbacks including a cut tyre and a brief off-road excursion, Donald Peacock/Mairi Riddick fought back to take the H2 class win, finishing 23rd overall. The victory keeps them in the running for the H2 title and boosts Mairi’s hopes in the Ladies navigator championship, with everything riding on the final round.
Class Pro2: Gunning takes advantage of Proudlock’s exit
The Pro2 class seemed destined for Robert Proudlock/Steven Brown—until they rolled out of the event on the final stage. This opened the door for Justin Gunning/Michael Moates, who overcame a puncture to claim the class win and 35th overall, along with a junior category victory for Gunning.
The final round
With several titles still undecided, the championship battle will come to a head at the final round. All eyes will be on the Challengers, M5, H2, and Pro2 classes as crews prepare for one last showdown. The Snowman Rally showcased the depth of talent within the Scottish Rally Championship, setting the stage for an electrifying season finale. Stay tuned for more rally action as we head toward the final event!
