From March 21 to April 2, the 9th edition of the Flying Scotsman Rally took place in the United Kingdom this year. The rally started in Hexham, Northumberland, from where the participants had to complete a 750-mile (1207 km) route. A total of 103 teams competed in their vintage cars built between 1907 and 1948.
300 meters after the start, the first stage began on the Slaley golf course. The route continued through idyllic landscapes and small villages, where some rally fans waited at the side of the route to cheer on the teams.
On this long first day, John Abel and Leigh Powley drove their Lagonda LG45 to the front of the field, but with a gap of less than 30 seconds to the second and third placed teams - the competition was by no means decided.
The very next day, the ranking looked completely different. Paul Crosby and Ali Procter proved with their MG TB Supercharged that it's not always just about the size of the car, but how you handle it. They overtook Abel and Powley, who had problems with their rear suspension.
On the third and final day, there were four regularity tests and four other tests to pass. Along the route there were views of lakes, rivers, distilleries, castles and manor houses. When the flag was waved at the finish line, the smallest car in the competition proved to be the big winner - Paul Crosby and Ali Procter were able to maintain their position in the MG.
Crosby commented: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed because we never thought we had any chance of coming here and winning." ("I'm absolutely overwhelmed because we never thought we had any chance of coming here and winning.")
Finally, two awards were presented - to the team with the most beautiful car and to the team whose car best represented the spirit of the rally. The Concours d'Elegance was won by a 1939 Jaguar SS100, while the title "Spirit of the Rally" went to the BMW 328 (1938) of Mitch and Wendy Gross.
Rally director Fred Gallagher was satisfied. "This event just gets better and better." ("This rally just gets better and better.") The standard of the drivers and vehicles is very high, but the navigators, who face many intense challenges over three days, must also be praised.
The Flying Scotsman Rally 2018 will take place from 26 to 29 April, registration is open until the end of May 2017. Further information can be found on the event website.
