2013 McRae Stages
QTS Group and RSAC Motorsport driver Blair Brown brought home a solid fourth place position at his
home rally, the Colin McRae Memorial stages in Aberfeldy last Saturday. The event is the final Round
of the Ecosse 205 Challenge and also the penultimate round of the Scottish Rally Championships. For
this event Blair would be teamed with fellow Challenge Co- Driver Richard Simmonds from Duns who
would be stepping in to read the notes.
The team awoke early on Saturday to a sharp autumn morning where they set off from the rally start
in the centre of Aberfeldy to the first two stages. Despite reports of tricky stage conditions caused by
heavy rain over the previous few days the duo continued with confidence.
Blair Brown at the start line
‘As a young boy I have always been a spectator at the McRae Stages but now I finally have the
chance to compete in the event as a driver, which is definitely a milestone in my career.
The First two stages went perfectly for Blair and Richard. Two clean runs through the fast and sliddy
forest lined with spectators allowed for them to post two solid stage times in class and move onto
service satisfied as the crew was showing good pace as 15 seconds was all that separated the 205
class with Blair and Richard sitting in third position.
Going into the mid day stages based high up in Glen Errochty and Glen Brerachan the Crew were
relaxed and focused. Stage three was the longest of the day at 13 miles. This classic Scottish stage
famously known as a challenge but rewarding test proved difficult for Blair as he was caught out on a
slippy section resulting in clipping an embankment. Although little time was lost and minimal
damage done it would take some miles before the crew could get back into rhythm.
‘We had a bit of an issue in stage three affecting our pace over the next two tests but we got there,
the car only has cosmetic damage, nothing to worry about’
With a piece of friendly advice from fellow RSAC Scholar and 205 driver Callum Atkinson, Blair was
feeling much more confident entering stage five . The speed began to build up again and the notes
were flowing. The final stage of the day was the spectacular finale of Craigvinean and with Blair and
Richard back on form they had nothing to lose. The pair pulled out all the stops to regain their pride
and set another third fastest stage time.
‘Today has been difficult but I have learnt quite a bit about managing myself as a driver, especially
about keeping myself relaxed and focussed which is just as important as driving’
Blair will next be out at the Armstrong Galloway Hills rally in Dumfries and Galloway which is the
final round of the Scottish Rally Championships.
END