The legendary Flying Scotsman rally has once again delivered a thrilling display of vintage motoring prowess. This year, William Medcalf secured his fourth victory, navigated by Ryan Pickering, equalling the record set by Gareth Burnett. However, Medcalf's consistency in using the same Bentley SuperSports for each win sets him apart. More significantly, this year's event marked a shift as the younger generation of enthusiasts took centre stage, proving the future of historic rallying is in capable hands. Over four days, competitors tackled a challenging 680-mile route from Harrogate to Gleneagles, Scotland, culminating in a celebration of skill and camaraderie.
A remarkable 25% of the Flying Scotsman field was comprised of competitors under 30, a first for a major HERO-ERA event. This ‘youth team’ of 2025, with an average age of 24, achieved impressive results. Gerd Bühler (DE) and Maximilian Matt (DE) secured sixth overall and a class win in their 1938 BMW 327/28, despite battling mechanical issues. Bühler praised Matt's exceptional navigation skills, which compensated for the loss of speed. Bill and Georgia de Jong Cleyndert, recovering from early brake problems, clinched a class win and eighth overall in their 1928 Bentley 3/4.5 litre, adding to their previous Sahara Challenge victory. Alexandra Murray-Tacon and her father demonstrated the power of family collaboration, securing a class win in their 1940 Aston Martin Speed Model. Spanish brothers Alex and Borja Sánchez-Silva earned the ‘Spirit of the Rally’ award for their perseverance in the face of adversity with their 1925 Hispano Suiza H6. Harry Wassell and Thomas Clutterbuck finished 21st overall in their 1938 Frazer Nash BMW 328, showcasing impressive speed. Kit and Peter Moore overcame axle issues to finish strong in their 1936 Riley Special, while Alfonso and Jaime Pueche (ES) recovered from being ‘beached’ to complete the rally in their stunning 1937 Jaguar SS100.
HERO-ERA Chairman Tomas de Vargas Machuca emphasized the significance of the youth movement, stating, "This is an overwhelming endorsement of our youth policy... the younger generation have not just moved in, but achieved major results." He highlighted initiatives like the Bob Rutherford Scholarship for Young Navigators, the Rally for the Ages (free for young participants), and a 30% discount for under-35 drivers, all part of HERO-ERA's ‘Environmentally Responsible Driving’ program.
The event organizers, particularly Clerk of the Course Guy Woodcock and his deputies James Phillips and Andy Pullan, were lauded for creating a challenging and rewarding route. The 14 international crews, representing countries across Europe, as well as Hong Kong, the USA, Bermuda, and Morocco, praised the event organization and the demanding course.
The final day of the rally was filled with drama. Medcalf and Pickering started with a comfortable lead, but challenges unfolded behind them. John Lomas and Pete Johnson, initially in second place, faced delays that threatened their podium position. Ultimately, William Medcalf and Ryan Pickering secured first place in their Bentley 3 Litre SuperSports Continuation. Mike Farrall and Zach Burns finished in a tremendous second in the Jaguar SS90, while John Lomas and Pete Johnson took third in their Riley Sprite. Gerd Bühler and Maximilian Matt lost valuable time on the final test, impacting their podium chances. Bill and Georgia Cleyndert also faced challenges but secured their class win.
William Medcalf (1st Place Driver) shared, "Very privileged, it was an amazing event... Ryan is an amazing guy, and we’ve had great fun. It’s been faultless from the HERO team, there has been amazing camaraderie, the suns out and the skies blue!" while Ryan Pickering (1st Place Navigator) added, "It’s such a fabulous achievement, that’s been ten years in the making. It is a fantastic car and crew together. It’s a lifetime achievement to sit in a Bentley on a rally like this, driven by the master."
The Flying Scotsman 2025 was a resounding success, showcasing the enduring appeal of vintage rallying and the exciting future of the sport with the rise of a new generation of passionate enthusiasts.
