After a challenging and rainy week, the teams headed west towards Loch Lomond on the last day of the Scottish Malts 2021. Paul Bloxidge and Ian Canavan were looking strong in their Golf GTI at the start of the day, but as is the nature of regularity rally, there was still plenty of opportunity for the lead to change hands.
One certainty was that everyone taking part would be experiencing the full force of Scotland’s famously damp climate. With every passing mile, hopes for a miraculous break in the weather dwindled as the intensity of the downpour increased and the roads because ever more treacherous. By the time the test at Rest and be Thankful had begun, the visibility in the valley had all but erased the usual stunning views of Glen Croe and Being an Lochain, with the famous ribbon of tarmac shapeshifting into a waterfall in more than a few areas.
Mercifully, the weather did improve somewhat as the contestants made their way back to Loch Lomond for lunch. However, as the finish line approached, the pairing of Daniel Gresley and Elise White in the Porsche 911 S unfortunately weren’t able to capitalise on the improving conditions and catch up to leaders Bloxidge and Canavan, despite accumulating less penalties on the day. Third place went to Joel Wykeham and David Brown in the Alfa GTV, after another solid day’s rallying.
No matter their finishing position, all contestants were full of mirth and jubilation as the cars crossed the checkered line to the soundtrack of a traditional Piper. After a healthy amount of champagne and dancing, Paul Bloxidge and Ian Canavan had the final words. “We’ve done almost a thousand miles through fantastic scenery; it has felt like just the right level of challenge as a HERO-ERA green event” said Ian, with Paul continuing, “I’m over the moon to win, it has been a good long week and as always with the likes of Daniel and Elise a fantastic level of competition and all on superb roads and great locations.” Thus concludes another edition of the Malts adventure, and what a fantastic way to shake off those lockdown blues.
