Just 3 weeks removed from the RSAC Scottish Rally, the KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally Championship circus re-assembles just outside of Crathes for Round 6 of the 2023 season, the Voyonic Grampian Forest Rally.
Championship leaders Jock Armstrong & Hannah McKillop top the seeding, fresh from their dramatic victory shootout on the final stage of the Scottish. The Impreza taking the win despite bouncing off the scenery near the end of the final stage.
David Henderson & Chris Lees have been among the fastest crews of the year but luck hasn’t been with them. The Grampian was one of their favourite events in 2022, standing on the podium 12 months ago.
Fellow Fiesta crew Finlay Retson & Paul Beaton were the other half of that Scottish Rally final stage shootout, but luck wasn’t on their side, retiring while battling for the lead. 2022 has been a year of blinding pace, particularly on the gravel, but they haven’t finished an event since their sensational Round 2 Speyside win back in April.
Peter Stewart & Harry Marchbank top the Autoshop 2wd entries in their 208, just ahead of Scottish winners John Crawford & Josh Davison’s Mk2 Escort. John & Josh also top the Albyn Garage Challengers entry.
Aileen Forrest tops the Ladies entry, returning to the scene of her unfortunate visit to a river a year ago. The Evo pilot will not be wanting a repeat of that performance this year.