Wildcat action in Borders Hill Rally

Forrest Lodge near Dumfries, Scotland hosted a packed entry of 45 cars for last November’s Borders Hill Rally including five Wildcat 200s of varying specification, making their presence felt right from the start.

Because of the rally’s compact location and lack of road liaison sections, it proved a big hit with the competitors and service crews alike and the dry cold conditions really helped with the event creating a great atmosphere all around the pit area.

Although Richard Kershaw took top honours, the Qt Services Wildcat Trophy went to Ian Carson who came home 7th in his rear-engined Chevy powered Wildcat 200.

Two others were not so lucky – newcomer Greg Morris in his Max Traction supported Wildcat rolled on Stage 6, day two, only to be collected by another competitor when upside down, while Andy Graham had a major off when running in 4th overall. Testament to the strength of the cars’ build, neither drivers nor codrivers were hurt in the incidents.

Dave Marsh, boss of Qt Services was on hand at the rally to offer technical support and encouragement to his pride of Wildcats: “I was really pleased to see how the new boys, Mike Bain and Greg Morris fared. They had the speed and temperament and I’m sure it will only be a matter of time before they are running at the front.”

The two day event is run on private ground over mostly graded tracks over the weekend of November 28th/29th, with the second day being somewhat tougher than the first as some stages had taken some punishment, having been run the day before.

Organisation by the dedicated team at the Scottish Hill Rally Club (scottish-hillrally.co.uk) was very professional, in spite of some tricky stage conditions. “This is always a great event and the organisers do a fantastic job,” says Marsh,”and it’s one I can’t wait to see a Wildcat take top spot.”