The Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship heads north this weekend [20–21 June] for a unique challenge in the 2025 calendar, the Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally, the only sealed-surface event in this year’s BHRC season.
Taking place on the stunning Cowal Peninsula in the west of Scotland, the event marks a sharp shift from last month’s gravel of North Wales to the tight, technical tarmac of closed public roads.
With a handful of major championship contenders electing to skip the Scottish asphalt, including current joint championship leader Adam Milner and Riponian winner Daniel Mennell, the door is wide open for others to make their move in the BHRC title race.
The smaller entry list may be short on numbers, but it’s packed with potential plot twists that could shake up the standings.
Fresh from back-to-back BHRC and Category 3 [cars registered between 1975 and 1981] wins, David Crossen returns for more in his Escort MKII, eager to prove his pace isn’t limited to gravel. With Ben Teggart once again on the notes, the Northern Irish pairing could be dark horses for a second win, especially if they adapt quickly to the sealed surface.
Joining him is fellow MKII pilot Will Rowlands, another name to watch on asphalt. The Welshman has shown strong pace and is known to enjoy the demands of tarmac driving. A clean run for him and Emyr Hall in Argyll could throw them into the mix, particularly with others sitting this one out.
Paul Thompson/Josh Davison have a good chance to score well and, despite not having been on the tar for several years, are likely to be in the Category 3 fight come Saturday evening in their Escort MKII. Lee Ashberry/Ian Jones join the series for the first time this season in their MKII, bringing both speed and experience to the entry list.
In Category 2 [cars registered between 1968 and 1975], Drew Struthers/Iain Thorburn are the sole representatives in their Hillman Avenger, whilst Baz Jordan/Arwel Jenkins are poised to lead the series outright in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4.
The Category 4 pairing [cars registered between 1982 and 1990] can take advantage of Milner’s absence and has built momentum with back-to-back wins. The twisty Scottish lanes may not suit the 4WD machine well, but Jordan’s extensive experience will be equally vital if he’s to make hay in Scotland.
The action gets underway on Friday evening with the Dunoon Street Stage, before five stages in the lanes. Saturday offers nine further tests, bringing the event to over 66 competitive miles.
