MULL RALLY ’24 – THE GLENS ARE ALIVE!
The opening of entries for the Mull Rally is always an exciting time, with the hope of many to secure an entry, and the expectation of who else may be on the Beatson’s Building Supplies Mull Rally entry list!
There’s no doubt there is a buzz around the event this year, partly due to a return to some traditional favourites, but also the new twists that are shaking things up. The timing and pattern of legs is back to its familiar norm, with Friday and Saturday night legs split by a snappy Saturday afternoon.
The return to the Ross of Mull is a highlight, with the demanding Ardtun stage run twice on Friday night. Gribun fans will be pleased to see the running of a section that was lost in recent years – how fast will you pass the ‘phone box? Also there have been various versions of “The Long One” in recent years. Saturday night includes a 23.5 mile stage embracing Loch Tuath, the hill then down Glen Bellart.
“The Glen” is running in daylight, which will certainly be a test of nerve and invite some rapid speeds from the top crews. Another innovation is a new shakedown stage, using the road to Glengorm Castle. This longer test includes some magnificent sections and should be a representative test for competitors. There will be two sessions on Friday, finishing at 2pm. This road was previously used by works teams for testing with Russell Brookes and Malcolm Wilson among the visitors (Malcolm famously having a big off!).
Much of the activity will continue to focus on Tobermory, with scrutineering, the start and the finish all being located there. There are section starts in Salen and leg ends on the Ross of Mull, with service split between Craignure and Tobermory, so crews will see much of the Island. Of course there is more to Mull Rally than just the competition, so expect a busy social scene throughout rally week.
Entries open at 19:30 on 5th August via the link Beatson’s Building Supplies Mull Rally 2024 – Online Entries (rallies.info). Front of the queue is bound to be Fergus and Craig Barlow, who had a hugely popular inaugural win last year. The local heroes are sure to face stiff competition from both other Mull-based crews and rest of the world! The remarkable success of Mull crews remains a key feature of the event, with Dan Harper being the only non-Mull resident winning since the millennium.
The event continues to enjoy the backing of Beatson’s Building Supplies, and their passionate support alongside Event Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council is key to delivering a successful event. Bobby Beatson leads a team of more than 300 volunteers who make the event happen, as officials, marshals and helpers. The event is always looking for “Bobby’s Heroes” to assist, and individuals can get in touch via marshals@mullrally.org
Beatson’s Building Supplies Mull Rally has become an integral part of Island life, with a history dating back over 50 years. The support from the community is tremendous but never taken for granted, and the organisers endeavour to work with local residents and businesses. The organisers look forward to delivering a challenge like no other and an event to remember!
