It was another successful year for the Arnold Clark Jury’s Inn Snowman Rally, which took place near Inverness on Saturday 18th February.
Arnold Clark was proud to sponsor the event for another year, and to help out the organisers by allowing them to use its Inverness Peugeot branch as a base for scrutineering the cars the night before the rally.
Cars lined up ready to get checked at Inverness Peugeot.
What is scrutineering?
Scrutineering is the practise of checking that competing vehicles comply with technical regulations set out by the rally organisers, which ensure safety and fair play. Cars cannot compete unless they have passed scrutineering.
As has been customary for over 15 years, the cars started to arrive at Inverness Peugeot from 4pm the night before the rally. With almost 100 cars to check, the branch was kept open until 10pm, while the scrutineers carried out their vehicle checks.
Scrutineers at Inverness Peugeot.
The branch also opened its doors on the morning of the rally, to accommodate any latecomers.
The pre-rally scrutineering attracts hundreds of spectators every year, and this year was no different. Local residents and motorsport fans lined the rear entrance to the workshop, taking advantage of the opportunity to get up close to the competing cars and to speak to the drivers and co-drivers ahead of the big day.
Spectators line up to watch the scrutineering at Inverness Peugeot.
Inside the workshop, fans had the opportunity to see the scrutineering happen right in front of them, and to cheer on their favourite competitors.
Competitors appreciate the support
We caught up with Jock Armstrong and Paula Swinscoe, who came first place at the 2015 Snowman Rally, and fourth this year.
Jock Armstrong and Paula Swinscoe in their Subaru Impreza. Photo credit: www.lindsayphotosport.co.uk
When asked what makes the Snowman special, Paula said, ‘It’s definitely the people, this is a very friendly part of the world to come to.’ They were also equally impressed with the condition of the course and the ‘fast-flowing stages’, with Contin being a firm favourite.
Steven Clark and Paul Brown, who came second in the Class 11 group, also echoed Jock and Paula’s enthusiasm for the spectators at the Snowman Rally. ‘The feeling is absolutely fantastic when you’re driving through and there are thousands of people watching,’ Paul commented. ‘Some people think spectators can ruin the sport, but I disagree - it’s what makes the rally.’
For Steven and Paul, the Snowman represents an element of risk, too. In fact, they went off course when leading a couple of years ago. ‘There’s always a chance of ice, but it doesn’t slow us down.’
David Bogie takes the title on the day
David Bogie, five-time Scottish champ and third-time Snowman star, drove his ŠKODA Fabia R5 to victory, with co-driver Kevin Rae. The pair enjoyed a comfortable 58-second win.
Speaking of his Snowman success, David said: ‘To start the season with a win is very encouraging, and to lead from the first stage right the way through was just fantastic.
‘The weather was quite mild this year, which makes a change from the past few times I’ve competed in the Snowman. It meant that the stages were in really good condition.
David Bogie's car being scrutineered the night before the rally.
‘I chose to compete in the British Rally Championships this year, so I won’t be able to carry the points over, but it was great to get some practice in at the start of the season and it’s given me the confidence to get back out for the upcoming British rounds.’