Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally offers new challenges in 2025

The Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally will return once again this summer, promising the most thrilling edition yet, driven by a refreshed route making up the 20-21 June event.

Now in its fifth year on the scenic closed public roads around Dunoon, the rally has grown exponentially since transitioning from an all-forest format in 2021. Thanks to the continued support of Dunoon Presents, local businesses, regional councils, and authorities, the event has become a must-see for rally enthusiasts and competitors alike.

The rally’s appeal has reached new heights in recent years, drawing the attention of a myriad of elite rally championships eager to test their mettle on the unique stages and experience the legendary Cowal Peninsula hospitality.

A long-time supporter of the event, the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship (SRC) SRC brings top-tier crews to Dunoon as it marks the second of two sealed-surface rounds in its 2025 calendar. Joining them will be the Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship (BHRC) who return for a second year, showcasing a stunning lineup of classic rally cars from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, offering fans a nostalgic spectacle.

The impressive and highly popular Protyre National Asphalt Rally Championship returns for its third year and is known for high-calibre competition on sealed surfaces. Reigning champion Callum Black’s back-to-back 2023 and 2024 overall victory on the event set the scene for the title race, and this year promises another fierce battle for supremacy.

The rally also serves as a qualifying round for the Scottish Tarmack Rally Championship, AS Performance North of England Tarmacadam Rally Championship, and the HRCR Mini Cup & Category 1 Championship. The West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge also joins for 2025, ensuring a diverse and competitive field.

Competitors and rally fans are in for a treat in June, with a tried and tested formula being mixed with several variations and new stages to keep the challenge fresh and exciting.

The action begins with the much-loved Dunoon town centre stage. This electrifying three-quarter-mile sprint through the bustling streets will be run twice in quick succession, drawing enthusiastic crowds. From there, the rally shifts to the countryside for five demanding stages, culminating in the spectacular Oyster Catcher test, which will run over the full eight-mile length. This challenging route, held under cover of darkness, will push competitors to their limits before they return to Dunoon around 22:00, completing nearly 26 competitive miles.

The intensity ramps up with nine special stages on Saturday, bringing the total to 72 miles. These tests include an additional section added to the popular Bealach Maim stage to give it a “fast and furious” ending over an additional three miles called Kilfinan. An entirely new stage – Millhouses – at the southern end of the Cowal Peninsula provides four miles of narrow, challenging roads.

The route will test both cars and crews, offering a comprehensive challenge and will be based once again at Dunoon Stadium, hosting service and pre-event documentation.

Event organisers Mull Car Club, led by Clerk of the Course Sam Spencer, have worked tirelessly to ensure the rally remains a standout on the motorsport calendar.

“We’re thrilled to present a revitalised format that combines the best aspects of previous years with exciting new elements,” he said. “With such a prestigious lineup of championships, 2025 will be a landmark year for the rally and the local community. We can’t wait to welcome fans and competitors to Dunoon for a truly unforgettable experience.”

More information on the Argyll Rally will be available shortly.

You can keep up to date on the event via social media feed on Facebook, or the website at www.argyllrally.co.uk

-ENDS