Big names and big battles line up for the Voly Grampian Forest Rally

A sensational line-up of some of the best drivers in Europe will head for Banchory next weekend [8/9 August] as the Voly Grampian Forest Rally once again hosts one of Scotland’s biggest motorsport events.

Sponsored by Voly Crew Solutions, which rebranded from Voyonic in late 2024 following its acquisition by Voly Group, the Grampian is now firmly established as a two-day spectacle and will see an electrifying line-up of drivers and co-drivers being pushed to the limit on the fast and flowing forest roads of Kincardineshire, with fans treated to a thrilling mix of championship battles, home hero storylines, and flat out rally action.

With a packed entry list of around 90 cars, including stars of the Probite British Rally Championship (BRC), frontrunners from the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship (SRC), and rising talent from the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK, the Grampian once again cements its place as one of the biggest and best gravel rallies in the UK.

Leading the crews away from the ceremonial start in Banchory on Friday afternoon will be some of the biggest names in British and European rallying, including two Junior World Champions. Running number one will be the 2023 Junior WRC title-winning duo of William Creighton and Liam Regan in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, looking to consolidate their BRC title challenge following an impressive campaign so far.

Reigning FIA Junior WRC champion Romet Jürgenson and co-driver Siim Oja are fresh from a confidence-boosting WRC2 result on their home rally. The Estonian pairing took an impressive win at the Carlisle Stages, highlighting their pace on fast gravel events and could well impress in their Ford Fiesta Rally2.

Scottish ace Garry Pearson and co-driver Hannah McKillop bring their Fiesta Rally2 after an inspiring Scottish Rally win recently, whilst Meirion Evans and Dale Furniss are joint BRC leaders with Creighton heading to Scotland in their Yaris Rally2.

Callum Black is the Toyota pairing’s nearest challenger, and the Fiesta Rally2 driver has been quietly racking up solid results all season with Jack Morton alongside.

Max McRae and Cammy Fair have been concentrating on their FIA European Rally Championship bid of late in their Citroen C3 Rally2 but will aim to better their eighth place on the Grampian last year.

All eyes will be on the battle for the Scottish Rally Championship crown, as making a welcome return to the Grampian and leading the SRC charge is six-time Scottish champion David Bogie, piloting a Skoda Fabia Rally2 with Kirsty Riddick alongside. With four Grampian wins under his belt, Bogie enjoys the stages and will be tough to beat.

Aberdeen’s own John Wink (Hyundai i20 R5) remains a key contender for local honours, having delivered a series of strong results throughout the SRC season, while Scott Beattie (Fiesta R5), Simon Hay [Mitsubishi] and Bruce McCombie [Ford Fiesta] will all be chasing silverware on home turf.And this year, event organisers Stonehaven and District Motor Club have added a range of exciting new features to enable fans to watch the action and get up close and personal with the cars and stars of this year’s event.

Off the stages, the fan experience takes centre stage with the expansion of the popular Network DNA Rally Zone at King George V Park in Banchory, which now includes pre-event technical checks on Friday morning, packed with trade stands, car displays, autograph sessions, and driver meet-and-greets.

The ceremonial start on Friday afternoon and finish on Saturday will also take place here, making it the hub for spectators looking to soak up the atmosphere – all free of charge.

Offering great viewing, facilities and thrilling close-up action, the rally returns to iconic tests in Durris and Fetteresso, complete with easy parking, toilets and catering for fans to enjoy the full rally experience.

A newly added EMCO Spectator Stage at BA Barn in Kintore provides fans with an exciting new opportunity to witness the action up close. Designed specifically for spectators, this gravel stage offers superb visibility, extensive on-site parking, full facilities, and a live Coast Radio broadcast link.

All spectator stages are free to enter, with a £10 parking charge, which will be donated to local charities.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome such an outstanding entry list to the 2025 Voly Grampian Forest Rally, with some of the very best drivers from across the UK and Europe heading to the northeast of Scotland”, said Clerk of the Course Graham Provest.

“It’s a real testament to how far the event has come in recent years, and the growing reputation it now holds on the national and international stage.

"The mix of new stages, improved infrastructure, and a world-class competitive field makes this year’s rally one of the most exciting editions we’ve ever hosted. The rally community, fans, and local region can expect a spectacular weekend of action". 

"Whether you’re spectating from one of the new fan zones or tackling the stages as a competitor, we’re confident everyone will enjoy an unforgettable experience. We’re immensely grateful to our partners, supporters, and volunteers for helping us build what promises to be one of the highlights of the UK rallying calendar. The local businesses have come together to help make this one of the best yet.”

For more information on the event, entry list and spectator information, please visit the event website and social media platforms.