Wilks praises Scots marshallsposted in RSCOT14 | 10 | 2010

RALLYSCOTLAND WINNER Guy Wilks today begins his preparations for back-to-back wins for Skoda when he starts the two-day recce through the Scottish forest stages; but the Darlington driver believes the event's 750 volunteer marshals will face a tougher weekend than him.

“Every driver and co-driver is very appreciative of what the marshals do, because without them we simply wouldn’t be able to go rallying," Wilks explained. "The people who volunteer to come out across the country every weekend are vitally important to our sport.

"I’ve come to know a lot of them over the years and it’s always nice to have a bit of a banter and camaraderie with them – especially on the recce when we have more time to chat, but also on the rallies.

“What rally marshals do is fantastic and there is no better example of this than on last year’s RallyScotland. The marshals who stood out in the awful weather and did such a professional job with such good humour made a huge difference. I don’t think the weather gets much worse than that.” It was a view backed by RallyScotland clerk of the course, Iain Campbell.

“Quite simply without the volunteer marshals we do not have an event," the Invernessian admitted. "We rely on their expertise to provide radio cover, to run the time controls, to man the stages, look after the service park and to set up each of our stunning venues. In return they get as close to the action as possible and take away the satisfaction of being part of a huge event.”

This year's action gets underway in the grounds of scone Palace near Perth tomorrow before heading into the Perthshire forests on Saturday, and the Trossachs on Sunday. The event finishes on Sunday afternoon at Stirling Castle.

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Jim McGill