Long time rally navigator Duncan Brown is going to try out the right hand seat for the first time on December’s Rockingham Stages Rally.  As mid life crisis and a 40th birthday approaches, Duncan has saved up his pennies and will take the wheel of MOIRA – the famous teambrowns Ford Escort Mk2.

“For 20 years, drivers such as Doug Weir, Calum Mackenzie, Andrew Wood, Keith Robathan, Stevie Brown and Nick Runcie have thrown cars containing me at trees, rivers, rocks, lochs, bogs and armco barriers around the country.” said a scheming Duncan, “now its my turn to exact revenge”.

Duncan was the winning navigator on the Autumn Stages Rally this year, guiding Keith Robathan to the top spot.  Having also scored many top ten finishes on the Tour of Mull and Jim Clark rallies, he has much experience of tarmac, darkness and rain….three of the hazards he might find at the nation’s newest purpose built banked circuit.  “I’m pretty sure there will a need for wipers, maplights and spotlights, all of which MOIRA luckily has.” he added.

Although MOIRA met many mechanical maladies on Mull, most Muileachs are confident that Callum and Colin can cure the car. “I was navigating for Doug Weir in the car on this year’s Tour of Mull rally, we were lying 12th overall when a rear suspension failure caused the propshaft to part company with the gearbox and throw itself into a field.” a disappointed Duncan divulged.

Duncan was brought up and learnt to drive in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.  Driving hazards in that area included sheep, otters, steep hills, hairpin bends, potholes, seaweed, cattle, Bowman’s buses and people called MacKinnon and O’Donnell.  Duncan’s preparation has not been along these lines, boldly announcing “I don’t expect any of those at Rockingham”.

“My secret weapon is the navigator – Ian Robertson” Duncan let slip “I knew him when we both lived in Aberdeen - six months ago I sent him to live in Norfolk where the topography is equally flat and sheepless as the Corby area. 

I haven’t a clue whether he can read a map or a time card but I think that local insight will be invaluable”.  A further step in his intensive preparation has taken place behind closed doors “I’ve been watching a lot of Days of Thunder – and rubbing, son, is racing”

Ian has stated that despite expectations, he is not nervous…. “we’ve had a shakedown run in a hired car of slightly lower spec and I wasn’t scared more than 10 times” said the handsome 23 year old.  “And I know Duncan has some driving experience having competed on three sprints and an autotest.  Saying that, if it wasn’t for the prospect of a decent night out I wouldn’t sit next to him in a cinema”.

Duncan himself for some reason chose to live in Cheam, Surrey.   The oil business can do many strange things to a man’s judgement.  Duncan also spoke of his hopes for the catering at Rockingham, acknowledging that the service team need proper sustenance. “I’m sure there will be lots of high quality food available, but we may have to bring our own Tunnocks Caramel Wafers”. Luckily for the team, Thomas Tunnock & Co of Uddingston, Glasgow are supporting their venture so if you are at Rockingham and fancy a biscuit, pop by the van!

The rest of teambrowns will be on hand to lend support, albeit standing well back. With Tunnocks Caramel Wafers in their hands.

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