The Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship (SRC) concludes its electrifying 2024 season with the Caledonian Rally this weekend. Set across six iconic forest stages in the heart of Scotland, this is rallying at its purest—raw speed, technical mastery, and a field stacked with drama.
With the overall championship titles already decided, the spotlight shifts to a nail-biting battle for second place in the standings. No less than four top drivers and their trusted co-drivers are still in the hunt, ensuring high-octane action from start to finish.
Front runners fighting for Scottish glory
Fresh from an emotional maiden SRC victory at the Snowman Rally, John Wink takes the number one spot in his Hyundai i20 R5. With regular co-driver Neil Shanks tackling the Silver Fern Rally in New Zealand, Wink teams up with rising talent Jack Bowen for this finale. Will Wink ride his momentum to another strong finish?
The experienced duo of Jock Armstrong and Owen Paterson are still contenders for second despite a year spent adjusting to their new Skoda Fabia. A solid third-place finish at the Snowman suggests they’re finally mastering the car—a promising sign as they attack their home turf.
Currently holding second in the standings, Mark McCulloch and Michael Hendry narrowly missed out on the Snowman podium by just one second. Driving their Proton, McCulloch will be banking on his local knowledge to fend off the competition and secure a season-best result.
The last crew in contention for second is Stephen Petch and Michael Wilkinson in their Fiesta. Despite an accident at the Jim Clark Rally, their consistency throughout the season has kept them in the mix. A fifth-place finish at the Snowman, despite intercom troubles, proves their resilience.
Four-Wheel Drive heroes and dark horses
The Caledonian Rally isn’t just about the championship chase—there’s plenty of room for surprises. Crews like Ian Forgan and Chris Lees, a returning Chris Collie and Ricky Finlayson, and the rapid Scott Peacock, now joined by Steven Brown, will keep the established names on their toes.
Challenger battles: Grit and glory
The Albyn Garage Challengers title fight is just as fierce. Johnnie Mackay and Rachel Matheson face off against Paddy Munro and Andrew Stevenson, the latter in their crowd-favourite Mk2 Escort. Both crews are eager to bounce back after tough outings at the Snowman. However, if neither finishes, newly crowned Subaru Cup champions Rob Cotton and Ethan Kidd could steal the title.
Meanwhile, Simon Hay and Calum Jaffray and other quick 4WD Challengers, like Martyn Erskine and Ewan Murdoch, will be looking to shake up the standings.
Two-Wheel Drive showdowns
In the G&M Mechanical Services 2WD Championship, it’s a thrilling tie between Mk2 Escort crews Paddy Munro and Andrew Stevenson and Greg McKnight and Harry Marchbank. A clutch failure robbed McKnight of victory at the Snowman, setting up a high-stakes battle in their home forests.
Adding to the spectacle is a fleet of Escorts, including Fraser Smith and Charlotte McDowall, Gordon Morrison and Ian Parker, and the iconic David McLeod and Eamonn Boyle in their Avenger. Plus, the Kadett of John Brownie and Gordon Ritchie promises to keep fans on their feet.
Junior stars and navigator showdowns
In the Juniors, Justin Gunning and Michael Moates aim to secure the Moates Offshore Junior Co-driver’s title with a strong finish in their Renault Clio. Meanwhile, the Lady Co-driver Championship is a nail-biter, with Rachel Matheson and Mairi Riddick battling it out for the crown. Both titles add an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Six Class titles and special appearances
Six class championships remain undecided, guaranteeing fierce battles throughout the 45-mile course. Additionally, five crews featuring SRC alumni will tackle both the Caledonian Rally and the Rally Anglo-Caledonian, ensuring an action-packed weekend.
Watch the action live!
Can’t make it to the stages? No problem! Catch live updates and coverage on the Scottish Rally Championship Facebook page, with thrilling footage from Special Stage Rally Video.
This is rallying at its finest—unpredictable, emotional, and downright exhilarating. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable season finale!
