Fed and watered at the Balachroy in Dervaig, where we received a tradition Scottish welcome reserved only for the English, we headed out to the first stage of the evening. This was a very long stage and the record has been held for sometime by Neil MacKinnon. The stage record was smashed by a hard charging Duffy who, for the first time in the event, seemed to be pushing really hard to overcome Paul MacKinnon, beating the previous record by 12 seconds. Can you imagine his disappointment at the time control when he sees that Paul had also beaten his Dad's record.....but by 20 seconds.
With 3 stages to go then Paul leads Calum by 40 seconds and we are off to the last stage of the event, walking in to the stage from the finish for about a mile up the Glen Aros road. This is a fully flat out section with sweeping rights and lefts, crests and bumps. To make matters trickier for the drivers the temperature has dropped and a fog has decended through the forest making for a very mystical vista for the hardy few spectators.
MacKinnon is still first through, giving the Subaru everything through this last section and looking a little ragged.....and no wonder, he is closely followed by Duffy, no 1 minute interval here approaching the end of this 14 mile stage. Duffy is flat in his Escort, validating his claims of gearing to top out at 150mph!!!!.
Duffy at 150 in the Fog Heading Towards Salen on the Glen Road (click to play) Location
Many drivers are taking it fairly easily towards the end of this final stage as they nurse their cars to a finish. However, I have mentioned him before and he is getting a final mention now, McKenna in his Starlet is astonishing through this section, his exhaust note wailing throught the foggy valley and echoing off the trees like some sort of demented banshee. Its a fine end to the event.
As we walk from the stage we stop to find out the times of Mackinnon and Duffy from the final time control and find that Duffy has taken 31 seconds out of the youngster on that final stage.....but is it enough?
A couple of points of interest, the crew of car 103 that we have been following are already back at the hotel when we arrive at about 3am. Unfortunately they have broken their diff on the first stage of the night so were forced to retire...so thats bad luck.
Another shout goes out to the two lads stood with us on the last stage who were servicing for car 130, a white Astra GSI. The two of them and the driver and co-driver have been sleeping in the service barge all weekend makieng their achievement of getting to the finish even more remarkable.
Luxury Accommodation
So its Sunday lunchtime now and the sun is shining on Mull, we will be going into Tobermory tonight for a curry and to watch the fireworks.
What are my impressions of the Tour of Mull as a first timer?
This is rallying as it should be, enthusiasts spectating and competing and a real sense of community. Its the atmosphere that I remember from the halcyon days of the RAC rally when they toured England, Scotland and Wales in a marathon 5 days driving day and night and exactly what the current Rally GB can never be again. Its changed forever, not necessarily for the better. Its important that TOM doesn't get too big for its boots and retains its clubmans feel. It could, no doubt, be a much higher level event than it is but then it wouldn't be the 'Best Rally in the World'.
I would recommend anyone with a genuine interest to come to this event and experience the atmosphere. I will be back...certainly.
