Rallying call to fans for new Scottish event – the Coast2Coast

MOTORSPORT fans have a new competition to put in their diaries – the Coast2Coast Rally that will take place on May 6-7.

Based around the Stranraer area, it will differ from many other rallies held in Scotland because the competitive stages will take place on sections of closed public roads.

The Coast2Coast is the brainchild of Mull of Galloway farmer and amateur rally driver Jim Sharp, who has driven the roads countless times over the years and has often thought they would be ideally suited to the sport.

A long-time member of Machars Car Club, he raised the subject when the Scottish Government passed a law that eased the process of allowing such events to be held on closed public roads.

Jim’s local knowledge and contacts network provided the ideal platform for the club to seriously consider such an idea.

Originally scheduled for its debut in 2020, the Covid crisis scuppered the plan but work has continued behind the scenes, enabling the event to go ahead in May.

The idea has already generated wide support from local communities and businesses, such as Donnan Construction and SVM Port Services, as well as Dumfries & Galloway Council, the Stranraer Development Trust and Police Scotland.

One of the enthusiastic backers, Neil Fisher, of Tigh Na Mara Hotel, in Sandhead, said: “The arrival of an event like this should be great for local business.

“It will bring new people to the south-west corner of Scotland and introduce them to the South West Coastal 300 – a 300-mile tour around the best that the area has to offer.”

Meanwhile, Knockhill circuit’s Gordon Shedden has confirmed he will once again be competing in the British Touring Car Championship.

The three-time BTCC title-holder will be at the wheel of a rebuilt and