Enhancing its reputation as one of the strongest rally series in the UK, the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship will introduce a new joker round for the 2026 season.
Alongside the serious nature of motorsport, Scottish rallying has always had a strong streak of humour running through it as organisers, crews, supporters and everyone else lured into the world of mechanical rollercoaster rides copes with the drama.
So, it is perhaps no surprise to discover that the Scottish Rally Championship (SRC) organisers have introduced a ‘joker’ to the proceedings for 2026.
The SRC will be held over seven events across Scotland on both Tarmac and gravel this year, with two Borders-based events – the Border Counties on 14 March and the Borders Competitions Jim Clark on 22-24 May – back together in the calendar for the first time in many years.
Bonus points on offer for ‘joker round’
Five results will count towards the championships, but, now we have extra bonus points on offer for crews who fancy their chances on one particular event with a ‘joker round’ introduced in the overall, 2WD and Junior Championships. Crews must select their ‘joker round’ prior to it commencing – and, naturally, not mid-rally, after racing away to a fine start! – with five additional points available for first place in the respective championship, down to one point for completing the rally in fifth or lower.
The ‘joker’ has been a popular addition to the British Rally Championship, and so is not new, but it will add an extra dimension to the Scottish events – especially for those crews who, for whatever reason, may not be be able to take part in every round.
SRC confirmed that Pirelli will again be the Championship’s tyre partner – with Andrew Wood Motorsport on board to provide expert guidance and support – and new Pirelli Motorsport UK Manager Andrew Johns told us: “We are delighted to be the tyre supplier for and to support the Scottish Rally Championship and its many event organisers and crews.
“The SRC is a fantastic showcase for Scottish and British rallying and this partnership reflects our long-term commitment to rallying, and to supporting drivers and teams competing at the highest level in the many varied and challenging conditions we come across in the wonderful Scottish events.
“We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with the Scottish rallying world for a long time now, and having the hugely experienced Andrew Wood on hand at every event in Scotland, to offer words of support and encouragement, as well as expert insight to tyre needs, helps Pirelli to play our part in the championship’s growth.”
The SRC management committee also announced this week that David Bogie’s Oakbank firm has stepped up to become a sponsor of the new SRC Challengers Championship, which has some changes of its own.
‘Challengers’ welcomes back former winners
The 2026 Challengers champion will now be able to return for 2027, instead of being prevented from doing so as in previous years, while the cut-off for eligible entry is now two overall top-seven finishes instead of two top-10s. The eventual driver and co-driver champions will receive a £250 discount off an SRC 2027 entry fee.
Questmead/Mintex are also taking over from Moates Offshore as partner of the Junior Championship, for drivers aged 25 or under. The champion will receive £250 off every 2027 SRC entry, while first-time Junior competitors receives free SRC registration.
Groundwater Lift Trucks will continue supporting the Subaru Cup, with a £150 entry voucher for the overall champion, and Haddo Energy remains on board with the Super Seniors category for competitors aged 65 and over not driving Rally2/R5/WRC cars. The winning driver and co-driver will receive a holiday voucher for themselves and partners.
The McCombie Builders Clubman Award stays for 2026 with two on-event prizes of £100 entry vouchers for the Clubman Performance and Clubman Spirit, for competitors in classes C1 to C5.
‘Something on offer for everyone’ – Moir
SRC chairwoman, Fiona Moir, said: “We truly believe we have organised one of the most competitor-friendly championships in the UK, with something on offer to drivers and co-drivers of all age, experience and competing in all classes. The light changes we have made to the 2026 regulations reflect this.
“Adding the joker round not only introduces an exciting dimension to the competition, but demonstrates our competitor-first focus with the opportunity to make use of their favoured events. It’s a system that’s proven itself in the British Rally Championship, and we are confident it will work just as well in the SRC.
“We are deeply grateful to seven-time Scottish champion David Bogie for sponsoring the Challengers championship this year, which has been tweaked to ensure competitors not in Rally2 cars have more to fight for each season.
“We would also like to thank Mike and Donna Moates and Moates Offshore for their years of support of the Junior championship, but are equally pleased to welcome Questmead/Mintex as the new sponsors. This is where the stars of tomorrow compete, so keep a close eye on them!
“We cannot wait for what promises to be a fantastic season of Scottish rallying in 2026.”
Championship registration is open now, with the regulations available to view here.
Championship Partners:
