21/10/2022
Mull report!
Having rolled at argyll and being put back together just in time for Kinloss, then suffering mechanical issues both there and at Kames, it was a task to get the car ready for Mull at all.
There hadn't really been an expectation to actually get a run (initially we were only going to spectate, but SOMEONE put in an entry π€£). Kenny has wanted to do Mull for 20 years, and had been close to getting a run a few times.. but never quite got there. Until this year.
The engine was out of the car right up until the weekend before the rally, with many late nights, swearing, cups of coffee and biscuits involved in getting her ready in time. There was also lots of panicked calls and emails to try and secure accommodation and get a recce done. Both parties had been ill and Sorcha was still suffering during the rally, but being pig headed, she refused to bail out (thankfully)
After a delayed set off on the Wednesday, getting stuck in horrendous traffic and weather and missing the ferry... we got onto the next one from the 'chance it' queue. After a brief and weird interview with a film crew.
It was surreal the entire time, right up to sitting on the start line... muttering "what the hell are we doing?" at each other. But then it was the 5 second countdown and Wee Red was screaming off like a banshee. So here's how it went!
Stage 1 was fast, and fun but in stage 2 Sorcha got distracted by an offed car and lost the notes with Kenny having to drive it blind, that was the first lesson learned. Getting through that stage is a testament to his road reading and driving skills.
From then on, things flowed a lot better, with the odd blip, but picking things back up quicker each time. It was a big step up from a few stages at Kames which was all she'd done prior. There was a small pirouette, which was quickly recovered and pointed in the right direction.
Leg 2 started with a skipped stage as stage 7 had a blockage, we were able to drive through non competitively to the next one. A few stages in, Sorcha lost the notes briefly, yelling "just DONT CUT" at every corner until finding the place again. Every corner had the possibility of swallowing the mini, so that was a pretty safe shout. Stage 9 (a repeat of 7) was also re-routed.
Leg 3 started with some trepidation. There was worry about the 30 miler, as that, plus the road miles would be a challenge for fuel with such a small tank. By the time we got there, cars were redirected to stage 14 due to issues further up (not going to lie, at the time there was relief, but looking back at it now we know we could have done it no problem)
14 and 15 were a bit of a blur, but 16 was absolutely hilarious... both were shattered, with no recce of the first section, but absolutely went for it, and as we headed down the second part, something took over Kenny and he drove like an absolute animal π€£, it was superb. Going over the flying finish at 04:17am screaming laughing and it didn't really sink in that we'd actually completed the final stage..
We started at 144, finished 87th overall and were 9th in class...
We were probably seen at most of the stops, screaming laughing or giving each other abuse, which is all part of the fun. Sorcha learned a lot in a very short space of time, and is so thankful to everyone who gave her advice and encouragement.
We still don't think the magnitude of completing Mull has sunk in yet, but I'm guessing it will soon.
A HUGE shout out to the other mini crews... who's help was invaluable. You know who you are! To our sponsors Pearson of Wemyss Bay , James Allan & son, Harbro Ltd and all the people who helped us get there.
Wee Red is going better than she's ever done!! Not bad for an old timer!
Would we do it again? Absolutely!
Watch this space.
Lindsay Photo Sport Chicane Media
