Author Archives: Paddy McKay

RSAC Scottish Rally 2026 Confirmed: New Stages, Star Entries, and Competitor Updates!

The organising team for the 2026 RSAC Scottish Rally has officially confirmed that the green light is on! The countdown to the action is officially underway, and anticipation is building for what promises to be a spectacular day of motorsport.

Here is everything you need to know about this year’s event.

The Route: 6 Classic Stages (Visited Twice)

Get ready for an incredible day in the forests. Competitors will tackle a thrilling loop of stages, with each stage being visited twice during the event:

• 🆕 Barney Water (Brand New for 2026): A fresh, unseen challenge that is bound to test every crew’s pace notes and bravery right out of the gate.
• 🌲 Glengap & Dalbeattie: The return of two absolute spectator favourites. These iconic locations are renowned for their classic forest terrain and incredible vantage points for fans.
• Scrutineering and Service held at Jas P Wilson in Dalbeattie

A Heavyweight Battle at the Front

While entries are still open, eyes are already on a massive showdown at the very head of the field. The battle for victory features some incredible storylines:

• Garry Pearson: The Duns-based driver has been in dominant form, already winning three rounds of the 2026 Scottish series in his Ford Fiesta Rally 2.
• Max McRae: Looking to steal the spotlight, McRae brings his rapid Skoda Fabia Rally 2 to the fight.
• Mark McCulloch: You can never count out the local hero! The current Scottish Rally Championship leader will be looking to use his extensive local knowledge to give him the edge over the field.

The Field is Packing Out

Over 53 crews from all across Scotland have already thrown their hats in the ring, with plenty more indicating they are on their way to the start line.

The sheer quality of the entry list reflects the event’s prestige, proudly hosting rounds for three major championships:

• Asset Alliance Group Motorsport UK Scottish Rally Championship
• HRCR Motoscope Northern Historic Rally Championship
• UK Armed Forces Rally Championship

📢 Competitor Update: Class Amalgamations

The organisers pride themselves on listening to the paddock. Following direct feedback from crews, the organisers have agreed that Classes 1, 2, and 4 will no longer be amalgamated.

Notice to Competitors: Keep your eyes peeled for an official Bulletin confirming the exact details of this change, which will be issued in due course.

Entries Are Still Open!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action, whether you’re fighting for seconds behind the wheel or catching the action from the spectator areas.

80 Years of Speed: The 2026 RSAC Scottish Rally Returns to Dalbeattie

The countdown is on. On Saturday, 18th July, the RSAC Scottish Rally celebrates its 80th running—a massive milestone for one of the most prestigious events in British stage rallying.

Coming off a stellar year, the 2025 event was officially recognised as the best-run round of the Asset Alliance Scottish Rally Championship, taking home the coveted Coogie Urquhart Trophy. For 2026, we are aiming to raise the bar even higher.

Our Home in Dalbeattie

For the fifth consecutive year, the rally will be centred at the premises of Jas P Wilson Forest Machines in Dalbeattie. Their support has been instrumental in providing a world-class base for Rally Control, Scrutineering, and the Service Park.

Having a central hub with such fantastic facilities allows the “service village” atmosphere to thrive, giving fans and teams a first-class experience throughout the day.

The Stages: Classics Meet a New Challenge

The 2026 route offers a perfect blend of high-speed tradition and fresh challenges. The event will feature three distinct stages, each run twice, totalling six high-octane tests.

The addition of Barney Water is a highlight for this year, ensuring that even those who have competed here for decades have something new to master.

Spectator Safety & Information

Our Spectator Safety Team is currently working around the clock to finalise dedicated viewing areas. These zones are designed to give you the best possible vantage points while keeping everyone safe.

A Reminder to Fans: Please only spectate from official designated areas. Following the marshals’ instructions ensures the rally runs smoothly and stays on the calendar for years to come.

We look forward to seeing the hills of Dumfries and Galloway come alive with the sound of rally engines this July. Whether you are a die-hard petrolhead or a local family looking for a great day out, we can’t wait to welcome you to the 80th RSAC Scottish Rally!

RSAC Scottish Rally Awarded the Coogie Urquhart Quaich

Simply the best!

At the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship Awards held last night in Glasgow, the Scottish Rally was awarded the Coogie Urquhart Quaich for 2025.  This is presented to the organising team of the best event in the Championship as judged by the Championship Management Committee and the registered competitors.

Andrew Pemberton, Chairman of RSAC Motorsport Limited, said ‘we are absolutely blown away that all the hard work put in to make the event a success has been recognised.  This is only the second time that the rally has been presented with the award for best event (previously known as the Chairman’s Cup).  This is not just for the organising team but for every marshal and official that assisted on the event – without you there would be no rally – and no award’.

Jonathan Lord, Clerk of the Course went on to thank not only the Competitors who voted for the event, but also the key stakeholders who make it all possible – Dumfries & Galloway Council who have supported the event for the last 28 years, Forestry and Land Scotland who we work closely with to provide the stages and Iain Wilson and his team at Jas P Wilson Forest Machines for providing their facilities for Rally Control and the Service Area.  

Planning for the 2026 event, the 80^th running of the event, is already underway and we look forward to welcoming you all to Dalbeattie on Saturday 18 July.  

Thank you one and all

The Organising Team