SRC organises rally time trial event

The Armstrong Group Rally Time Trial – organised with the help of two-time Scottish Rally Champion Jock Armstrong and his family –  will take place at the Armstrong Group Quarry in Dalbeattie, and is the first ever event to be organised by SRC Car Club.

With the unfortunate cancellation of the Galloway Hills Rally last week too – which was to be final round of the 2020 SRC season before the championship was cancelled because of COVID-19 – this is set to be one of few opportunities competitors will have to go loose surface rallying in 2020.

Organisers are aiming for at least six stages – three run in each direction – with the possibility to extend that to eight timed tests, with the best two runs in each direction being dropped from a competitor’s final total.

There are two events available with competitors electing whether to compete with a co-driver or not. Entries are now open tomorrow (Friday September 18) with a maximum of 40 spots available.

Assistant clerk of the course Robert Beck said: “With forest rallying currently off limits across the country, the SRC management committee took the decision to explore the possibility of running a single venue loose road rally to offer competitors some motorsport competition in these uncertain times.

“While this is a new venture under the auspices of SRC Car Club Ltd, there is a wealth of experience to call upon within the management committee.  Inevitably things will feel a bit different but we hope that competitors will nevertheless have an enjoyable day’s sport.”

Jock Armstrong added: “I had originally hoped this could be a warm-up for the Galloway Hills Rally, but it’ll still be a good local event. Niall Cowan Jr has had a lot to do with it, pushing on and getting it organised. It’s just to give a bit back into it and help keep our sport going.

“I’m kind of thinking would it be unfair for me to enter it and if I win it they’ll go ‘oh well, he’s bound to win it’ and be more cruel on myself if I didn’t win it and it would be ‘Jock’s lost it’ so there’s a bit of fear factor as well. But everybody’s welcome to come and beat me!”

In line with the continuing coronavirus pandemic, spectators will strictly not be permitted and all attendees will be issued with a wristband prior to arrival. The SRC is however hopeful of delivering live coverage throughout the day so that the event can be safely viewed from home.

Event regulations can be viewed and downloaded here.

The KNC Groundworks Ltd Scottish Rally Championship is supported by Royal Aero, Pirelli Motorsport, Moates Offshore Ltd, Albyn Garage Ltd, RAVENOL and Reis Motorsport Insurance.

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