Mail Sport tastes the adrenaline rush of life in the Jim Clark Rally (2024)

THE wall of sound hits you like a symphony for the senses. A low, grumbling growl that builds up to a wailing crescendo. A visceral experience that only racing cars can produce.

This is engineering excellence at its very best: a complex tapestry of turbocharged engines, whining transmissions, crackling exhausts and burning rubber.

If it sounds like a thrill — it is. A sensory overload that excites and impresses in equal measure. That I’m getting the chance to experience it in person only adds to the exhilaration.

For here I am, in Cumbria, standing by a race track, and about to jump into a rally car with a man I’ve known for a maximum of 15 minutes. Step forward, Garry Pearson. British Rally Championship (BRC) competitor and someone in whom I will entrust with my life for the next half an hour or so.

Fear not, Pearson is a seasoned competitor. Third in the Jim Clark Rally two years ago, winner of four national titles in 2021, and second in the BRC in 2023. I am, quite clearly, in very capable hands.

That Pearson is making his mark on the British rally scene is in no doubt. As a fellow Scot and a fan of the faster things in life, I have no concerns whatsoever that he will deliver me safely around the tarmac in the most intoxicating fashion.

I am a self-confessed speed freak. The thought of being in a rally car, bombing around a track, marginally transcends Santa’s delivery of an Atari video games’ console in the Christmas of 1989, skiing down molars near Mont Blanc, or even hovering above the earth in a helicopter. And that’s saying something.

To do so ahead of this weekend’s Jim Clark Rally — to get a sense of what it actually feels like to be in one of the competing cars — is even better.

‘Nervous?’ A voice shouts in the background.

‘Nope’, I reply, adrenaline bursting through my veins. I’m actually itching to get going.

The air is still as final checks are made on our car. It’s a busy time for the team here at M-Sport, and the sound of tinkering and tweaking is never far away. An impressive facility, owned by former rally driver Malcolm Wilson, M-Sport’s base screams success, ambition and a deep-rooted love of the automobile. Smiles abound as mechanics and technicians go about their business.

It’s an important time in the racing drivers’ schedule; the final few days of practice take place here, before cars are taken off to Duns in the Scottish Borders, and competitors go head-to-head for the title.

The rally — which has been running for over 50 years, has a special place in the heart of car enthusiasts. While marred in previous years by the tragic deaths of three spectators, it has also seen some of the most exciting racing on the rallying calendar.

This year, it promises to be bigger and better than ever — with more stages, more cars and some of the best drivers in the world seeking entry to its hallowed roads.

Pearson — who competes in a state-of-the-art Fiesta Rally2 car — will take to round three of this year’s British Championship in sixth place on the BRC’s leaderboard. As a local lad, hopes are high that he can improve on his previous podium finish at the Borders’ event — and become the first Scot since 2011 to take the crown. No pressure, then, for the already accomplished 32-year-old.

‘I’m definitely hoping for another podium,’ Pearson stated. ‘I’ve podiumed before so it’s definitely achievable. Two years ago, I was third, so hopefully I can replicate that, or even better it, this weekend. The car, the crew, we’ve got the ability, the tyres and so on, so we’ll just do our best.

‘In terms of competition, Osian Pryce and Keith Cronin will probably be the some of the toughest to beat. They’re two drivers who’ve been around the block. They’re both previous champions and know the stages very well. Chris Ingram from the European Championship should be good as well. It’s vital, however, that we concentrate on ourselves. Our own performance will shine through.'

It is a tough field. But Pearson — who had his first taste of driving aged 11 — insists he is relishing the challenge. It’s a sign, he says, of the growing talent in British racing, and of a sport which continues to entice new spectators into its ever expanding family.

Competing, he admits, is not for the faint-hearted. Nor is it cheap. His car alone costs over £260,000 — and that’s without the bolt-ons and additions. It’s certainly a huge step up from the Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 he first started out in back on Charterhall airfield.

‘My car is supplied by M-Sport, the factory team here,’ said Pearson. ‘It’s a Ford Fiesta 1.6. About 300 horse power, which doesn’t seem loads but, when you’re inches off trees and rocks, believe me, it’s more than enough and it’s the top level in this country, so it’s a phenomenal car.

‘They design, manufacture and build the car here. The Jim Clark Rally will be my fourth event in it, and the improvements the guys have made have been superb. The steps they take, in terms of cooling, dampers, the back end where they’ve developed a new rear cradle which makes the back end a lot more stable, are all meticulously done.

‘We’re really lucky to be involved with them. We’re getting all the latest developments and the latest technology, to try and improve things, The top speed is around 120mph, so it’s not crazy. However, the big thing is the speed in which it can carry through the corners. The cars are built to carry immense speed and the corner ability of them is incredible.’

Certainly, the car is a beautiful specimen, gleaming in the sunlight.

‘Let’s get your helmet fitted,’ Pearson interjects, as I pop on a balaclava and silver helmet. There’s a microphone and everything. Poor Garry doesn’t know what he’s let himself in for. I’ll try not to chatter incessantly, throughout the drive.

As I step into the car, I’m taken aback by its simplicity. A fine combination of technology, metal and tubes, it feels ‘fast’ before we even get started. Above me, a roll cage hangs overhead, and the seats are rigid and secure. The fit is tight, as I’m strapped into a multi-point harness. Safety is critical.

‘For the ordinary person, when buying a car, everything has to be super compliant and up to date with the latest regulations,’ says Pearson. ‘That means in-date seats, harnesses, fire extinguishers and so on. Thankfully, through guys like Sir Jackie Stewart, there’s so much safety now throughout the world, that the cars we are getting are as safe as they can be.

‘Credit to the drivers who have made that happen. We now wear all the right safety gear and the cars are built to be very, very strong.’

‘That is a relief,’ I say, as Pearson starts the engine, and we pull out onto the track.

Feet firmly against metal, the Borders man smiles as he steadies me for ‘take-off’. I have what feels like seconds to look down the course, before being thrust into the back of my seat. The car is accelerating with astonishing force. The noise of the engine is unmistakable — the baritone growl reverberates through me, before roaring into a glorious descant. Every movement, every undulation is palpable as we turn rapidly around corners and put the car to the test.

Pearson, cool as can be, is clearly enjoying the ride. With supreme skill, he executes the turns with ease. We wheel around with handbrake pulls and controlled slides — his tyres literally smoking from the effort. It’s fast — but not terrifyingly so. The fun is in the cornering and the sharp, jerky movements of the vehicle, which pierce through you at every turn.

‘You’re remarkably calm,’ laughs Pearson, as we head down the final stretch.

‘Can we do it again?’ I chuckle, as we pull slowly into the garage.

It’s a strange sensation when everything suddenly slows down. The sense of speed and acceleration still pops like bubbles around one’s body, despite the lack of motion. We chat for another few minutes, before waving our goodbyes. Pearson has a tough few days ahead and, for now, it’s all go with sponsors and his team at M-Sport before a massive weekend of racing.

‘I’ve known Garry for a few years,’ says Rich Millener, Team Principle at M-Sport. ‘He’s been around a long time, and wants to prove a point that he can win the BRC. I think he can certainly do that. The Jim Clark rally is key for him this weekend. Being at home, there’s a bit more pressure there, but he’s the kind of person who will deal with that — and I would hope he’ll get a strong result.

‘Historically, this rally has always been quite special. Jim Clark was one of the first to showcase what was possible with rallying and what the sport could bring to communities. To win that would really be quite something. It’s a really strong entry this year, but hopefully we can do well.’

Spirits high and full of appreciation for those taking part, I bid the team at M-Sport farewell.

Within minutes, I’m back ensconced in a hybrid SUV, chugging my way back home. There could hardly be a greater contrast.

I’ve had the experience of a lifetime. And picked up some tips for the school run. Although how many will be manageable on the M90, is entirely questionable. It was, as they say, fun while it all lasted.