Racing through the rookie ranks
WITH petrol in his blood from a very early age it is little wonder that 23-year old Newton Stewart lad Mark McCulloch has raced through the rookie ranks of Scottish rallying at a determined pace.
And with the 2010 Scottish Rally Championship underway Mark proved last weekend that even at the helm of a brand new four-wheel drive car he can come up trumps against some of the best.
With an impressive 25th place under his belt after the first run in his new Subaru Impreza at the Snowman Rally in Inverness, Mark competed against the top cars in the class - and some of the most experienced drivers.
Now hoping to reach for the British Championships next year, the winner of his class for the past two years is facing new territory over the coming months.
Mark said: "I'm still getting used to the new car, having driven a Corsa and a Peugeot 206 previously, so it's a big change.
"But the weekend's result was great, we were really pleased to have come 25th - especially after sitting in a ditch for two minutes when we slid off the ice."
Mark's dad was a co-driver for 19 years, taking Mark and the family along to almost every event.
He said: "Now the family come along to support me. My mum and dad are always there to help, they come to every event with us."
And even 83-year old Gran has enjoyed the odd spin on the track with her grandson. Mark set up his own business, Signright, after graduating from university and when he's not at events, the company takes up most of his time.
He added: "I get a real buzz from not really knowing what's coming. It's not like other sports where you can practice right up to the competition. It's really a case of facing the unknown."
And having only joined the sport three years ago he's already a well-known name in the motoring world.
Mark travels to rallies with fellow-Galloway team Steven Broll and Fraser Wilson, who finished third in their class at the weekend. Both teams recognise that without the support they receive from their sponsors, they could not continue in the sport. If you can help the teams out contact Mark on 07824 517 421 or his website at www.markmcculloch.co.uk.
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Weather for Newton Stewart
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South
