Michael Binnie and Claire More successfully defend Snowman Rally title in first round of Scottish Rally Championship
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Michael Binnie successfully defended his Snowman Rally title as he claimed victory for the second time in the first round of the Scottish Rally Championship.
The Cornhill on Tweed driver, along with Kelso co-driver Claire Mole came from five seconds behind on the final stage to win the rally in 42 minutes in their Mitsubishi Evo 9.
He followed up from his victory in 2020, the last time the rally was held.
They were 19 seconds ahead of Jock Armstrong from Castle Douglas and co-driver Cameron Fair from Hawick in second place driving a Subaru Imprenza and 30 seconds ahead of David Bogie from Dumfries and Kevin Rae from Hawick in a Mini JCW WRC.
Freddie Milne from Aberdeen and co-driver Patrick Walsh from Aberystwyth were leading the rally in the final stage, but finished in fourth place, 40 seconds behind the winner in a Ford Fiesta R5.
Binnie said before the race he would have been pleased with a top-five finish but was pleased to claim the overall title.
"I didn't expect it in my wildest dreams to win it again," he said.
"But we felt comfortable all day, we weren't doing anything stupid and everything worked out pretty well.
"We were aware we were behind on the final stage, but it is not over until the fat lady sings.
"We pushed like we had been doing all day and put in a good time. Freddie had issues and it happens to everybody, you lead the class and then you get a mechanical issue.
"We have done a lot of work on the car getting it prepped and get it ready for a full attack on the Scottish Championship."
Muir of Ord driver Scott Macbeth and Elgin co-driver Daniel Forsyth claimed fifth place 49 seconds behind the race winner in their best finish driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9.
Macbeth was pleased with how the rally went.
"We had a trouble free run and no issue with the car and I can't ask for more than that.
"I know where I can be with the car, but there needs to be work to make that happen, but overall i'm really happy."
