There were three generations of McRaes in attendance and an abundance of stars, personalities and VIPs all mixed in with a couple of on-stage rallies for the Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge lads and lassies and an equally serious competition for the all-stars and their rather more powerful and gloriously noisy conveyances plus various processions and other entertainments.
And throughout the days there were roving hordes of autograph hunters wanting programmes, books, clothing and helmets signed by anyone they could waylay. As for the guests, they just mixed in with everybody and had a ball. It was grand. Even Sir Chris Hoy was out and about although he had to have a wee quiet sit-doon after each run in the rally car before facing the crowds and interviewers once again. Understandable. The man’s a marvel and an inspiration.
Speaking of interviewers, the concert stage in the Paddock was busy throughout both days and the dulcet tones of the ‘Larkhall Foghorn’ could even be heard down in the Trade Area – but we couldnae hear the guests!
Another thing I learned was that musicians cannae play the bagpipes with gloves on! Hazel Whyte’s finger tips were almost numb by the finish, but she gave it laldy did she not?
Mind you, the place was fair hoachin’ wi’ locusts. Rhona’s tablet supply in the Junior 1000 tent disappeared faster than Stuart Gray when it’s his round, and Mrs McCombie’s caramel tart tin was almost emptied by the voracious Moates mob next door. However, Bruce managed to save the day and kept a single tart for his big pal Jaggy Bunnet (aye, he wis there too!) although the chocolate coating looked suspiciously thin – I think somebody had given it a serious licking before putting it back in the tin!
Speaking of Bruce, he had the barbecue fired up and was dispensing burnt slices of coo to friends and guests washed doon wi’ bottles of fermented barley and waatter, whilst other barbecues around the overnight encampment lit up happy faces gathered around. However, up the ‘posh’ end of the Paddock there were dangers to be avoided. The Sheriff and Montana were in town along with others of that ilk with the smell of strong spirits lying heavy in the night air. Man it was a grand night - to be safely tucked up in bed away from such malevolent influences!
Typical of the other side of rallying there was a late night engine change in the service area on Saturday evening where three generations of the Wallace clan were awfy busy. The engine in Junior 1000 driver Caela Wallace’s Toyota Yaris had expired but the team had sourced a spare engine in a Perth scrapyard (late on a Saturday evening!) picked it up, brought it back to Knockhill and proceeded to change it under torch light with Dad Craig (who was also co-driving for John Marshall) helping out whilst grandad Colin ‘Crabbit’ Wallace oversaw proceedings - in an ‘advisory’ capacity only! It was an effort that would have had the Team Toyota Gazoo Racing personnel gazing open-mouthed in astonishment.
And then there was the stupid bet. Martyn Douglas and Ross Pringle had put a bet on, but both had troubles during the rally and the terms were changed to who would be fastest over the final two stages. A difference of nine seconds gave the advantage to Martyn while Ross had to suffer the forfeit – shave off HALF his beard. Wait till his Mammy sees him when he gets home!
That was the other side of an event which was won by rising star Max McRae and Cameron Fair by 30 seconds from Joe Cunningham and Joshua Beer with Matt Edwards and Neil Shanks third in John Wink’s Hyundai i20 while just 3 seconds separated the top two in the Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge. Ollie Forrester and George Myatt just pipped McKenzie Snowden and Jonathan Turnbull. Gregor Reid and Simon Mills were third.
But for me, the on-track action was more than matched by the off-track craic. It was a chance to meet up with friends old and new although I can only apologise to a certain Irish fella who stopped by for a chat. For over 5 minutes I stood bemused and perplexed listening to a verbal fusillade of heavily accented incomprehension, and then he came back for another chat later. I still have little idea of the subject/s that was/were under discussion but by heck it was grand while it lasted. He could have put Sir Alex Ferguson’s famed ‘hair dryer’ harangues to shame.
