The Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship aims for Argyll
The Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship will make its first trip to the Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally next weekend [21/22 June] as the closed-road event plays host to the fifth round of the 2024 season.
Making its debut on the Cowal Peninsula in the far western corner of Scotland, the British Historic Rally Championship (BHRC) continues its series of asphalt events. Following May’s exciting Manx Rally on the Isle of Man, the Argyll stages offer a more technical challenge with closed public roads, several stages under the cover of darkness on Friday night, and over 75 stage miles throughout the weekend.
Leading the championship heading into Scotland are the consistent duo of Richard Hill and Patrick Cooper in their Ford Escort MKII. Although they have yet to win a round this season, their steady performance has kept them at the forefront. Returning to the series in 2024 after a nine-year break, Hill and Cooper are steadily advancing, and a solid performance in Argyll could further bolster their standings.
Close behind are Seb Perez and Gary McElhinney in their rapid Porsche 911, trailing by just three points. Perez has already secured an overall win this season, a notable achievement for a Category Two (cars registered between 1968 and 1975) entry. Consistent high scores throughout the season have made Perez a strong contender for the title.
The rivalry continues between Perez and former British Rally Champion Mark Higgins, who drives the powerful Triumph TR7 V8. Higgins and co-driver Carl Williamson showcased their skills on the Isle of Man, despite technical issues preventing a double victory. Their strong performance indicates the car’s potential as they head to Argyll.
Adrian Hetherington, currently third in the championship, is another driver yet to win a BHRC round this season. The Irishman and co-driver Ronan O’Neil have demonstrated impressive gravel performance in their Ford Escort MKII, and the unfamiliar Argyll stages may level the playing field.
Daniel Mennell returns for his first asphalt event in historic machinery after skipping the Manx. Mennell and Richard Wise have had a promising debut season, highlighted by a second-place finish at Rally North Wales. A strong result in Argyll could position them well as the season reaches its midpoint.
Nick Kitching and Kevin Wilson make their first appearance since February’s Riponian Rally, while Tony Shields and Graham Wild begin their first round of 2024, both teams in Escorts. David and Grace Pedley are back after their Manx efforts, and Mike Simpson and Dale Gibbons will try a sealed surface for the first time this season. Steve Magson and Steve Bielby uphold Rally2 (non-Historic) honors in their rear-wheel-drive Astra.
The rally kicks off on Friday, June 21, with two stages around Dunoon town center, followed by five more in the surrounding countryside, concluding the day just after 22:00. Saturday features 11 special stages, culminating in a finish back in Dunoon later that afternoon.
For more information on the RACMRC Championships, please visit www.racrmc.org.