MacKinnon delivers a Beatson’s Building Supplies Mull Rally masterclass
Tobermory driver Paul MacKinnon added an impressive fifth Beatson’s Building Supplies Mull Rally win to his tally as he and co-driver Paul Beaton took a resounding victory at the demanding event.
The local ace battled with the elements, a gruelling schedule and 150 other drivers to come out on top in his Volkswagen Polo GTi R5, enjoying a winning margin of more than one minute and forty seconds over his nearest rival. MacKinnon’s fifth victory adds to his 2008, 2011, 2019 and 2022 victories and the Mull man was delighted to edge closer to his father’s record of 12 wins on the rally.
“It hasn’t really sunk in, to be honest”, said a shocked MacKinnon in the wee hours of Sunday morning at the Tobermory finish.
“Everything has been so crazy over the weekend, just even that last stage has been so horrendous [conditions]. I’m so chuffed for everyone who’s been involved with getting us here. We didn’t even think we would be doing the event this year, but thanks to all the guys who helped get this car here, it’s all down to them. Without them, we would be sitting and having a beer.”
“In the past, we have lost a lot of rallies by going too fast, too quickly. And the conditions that were out there last night, for me, meant there was no reward. I’ve been off the road before with a minute lead here and I’ve learnt the hard way. It’s never over until you get into Tobermory.”
Organised by Mull Car Club the 52nd edition of the Mull Rally is one of the toughest in recent memory, with 139 miles of high-speed competitive action, spread across 20 special stages and three, arduous legs, much of it under the cover of darkness. High winds and driving rain made the conditions even more difficult throughout the weekend, continuing its reputation as being one of the toughest rallies in the country.
Indeed, it was MacKinnon who was the leader of the procession through the town centre for Sunday afternoon’s prize-giving ceremony, heading up 2021 winner Daniel Harper in his MINI JCW WRC who took second, with last year’s victor Fergus Barlow rounding out the podium places in his Ford Fiesta Rally2.
But the leaderboard had looked vastly different over the course of the weekend. Taking the early lead was fellow islander John MacCrone with Kirsty Riddick on the notes and a stellar time over the opening stage saw them a staggering 18.5s to the good and that had increased to almost 30s by the overnight halt.
MacKinnon was the nearest challenger with James Ford/Neil Shanks hustling their Citroen C3 Rally2 to third. Once the daylight arrived on Saturday, MacCrone was able to manage his lead with Barlow, Ford, MacKinnon, and Ford each taking a fastest time. But the Calgary Bay test saw MacCrone’s Fiesta suffer a puncture, losing over three minutes, leaving MacKinnon to take advantage.
Ford and Harper were now on his tail as they headed into the short rest halt before the action resumed in the darkness. The final leg provided more drama, as MacCrone left the road on the Knock 1 test and Ford fell behind a charging Harper with car troubles, which ultimately put him out of the rally.
That left Barlow and co-driver Darren Thompson to pick up the pieces and although it was a nervous final few stages thanks to a very sick sounding engine, they nursed it across the line to ensure Barlow took another Mull podium, this time behind Harper who had Martin Cressey on the notes.
Last year’s podium sitter Neil Roskell recruited Mull-man Daniel Barritt for his attempt in the Fiesta Rally2 and took fourth spot whilst the raucous Ford Escort MKII of David Bogie/John Rowan entertained the crowds on their way to fifth spot. Oban’s Stewart Morrison and Johnny Baird took sixth in their Escort to ensure there were plenty of island drivers in the top ten.
“Every year we say that the Mull Rally can’t possibly get any tougher, and every year we are proved wrong,” said Clerk of the Course, Richard Crozier.
“Once again, it’s been a mammoth effort to pull a rally of this size together, but everyone involved goes over and above to help deliver what we truly believe is the best rally out there. The buzz of the island and the encouragement from the locals and the entire community make it so very worthwhile and we are indebted to them for their continued support.”
“The whole team owe a huge thank you to every volunteer and marshal who helped make the rally run so smoothly once again, especially in such horrid conditions over the weekend. And my thanks to Beatson’s Building Supplies, John and Ross Marshall for once again sponsoring the event, as well as all the rally supporters, Event Scotland and Argyll & Bute Council who put in so much valuable support.”
“After some sleep, we start all over again as we begin planning next year which will take place 10– 12th October 2025. We look forward to seeing you then.”
