“That’s rallying” - one of the most clichéd phrases in rallying but pretty much sums up our day at the Grampian Forest Rally on Saturday!

Stage 1 went really well, a little messy in places but pleased with the pace and time. Stage 2 we got a puncture on the rear left making the car extremely difficult to drive so had to back off but managed to finish the stage and change it in road time. Stage 3 we tried some new tyres and I was really happy with the grip. Unfortunately we overran a junction at a 9L where someone had wiped the tape out and took us a while to get turned and back to where we needed to be in the dust.

Stage 4 - another puncture! There were a lot of rocks which had been kicked out onto the line and we hit one which completely shredded a tyre. With the car undriveable we stopped to change it on stage and lost a lot of time. I was feeling pretty frustrated when we got back for second service and as all tyre vans had left we had to make the most of what we had for the last two stages.

Stage 5 was better and stage 6 was ok apart from some visibility issues with dust. All in all a tough day in the office but we got a finish and the car is intact with the punctures the only damage.

The positives… really happy with the pace on the first stage and on stage 3 until we had the overshoot; found a tyre I was really happy with; car is still in one piece!

Next up is the Galloway Hills Rally in less than 4 weeks. This was my favourite event last year so really looking forward to it and hopefully things go more smoothly!

Thanks to Martin and Connor, and to Will for looking after us while Howard is away. Thanks also to my sponsors Carbon Positive Motorsport, Morris Lubricants and Demon Tweeks for their support. It was great to see so many competitors choosing to carbon offset on the event with Carbon Positive Motorsport.