Welcome to the 2002 'Philips Tour of Mull'
The Introduction to the 2002 Event Programme -
by Ian Gemmell who has been coming to the island since 1974.
In the mid 1960's in common with other rally drivers, I was weaned on road
races - sorry rallies! - through the lanes and hill roads of Ayrshire,
Lanarkshire and Dumfriesshire. The challenge, discipline and enjoyment
enthralled all who participated. Road sections in the sequence of 10mins - 5mins
- 2mins - 2mins- 1mins long timed to the previous elapsed minute led many a
driver to desperation.
Arriving on Mull for the first time in 1974 I was accompanied by Iain Muir
who was on of Scotland's top works navigators competing with the Saab team.
Perfection was his motto and I have no doubt that this contributed to my win in
1975 with Frew Bryden - a Phillips Man.
Recognisance of the island with its beautiful scenery, hairpin bends,
twisting, yumping roads kindled my enthusiasm and got my adrenaline pumping.
This was definitely "Rallyman Country". Tobermorry/Dervaig - haunting,
brilliant! Difficult to achieve this anywhere else in Britain.
It has been written that the wise men came from the East but, thankfully, in
1969 four wise men arrived in Mull from the South namely Brian, Ian, Taff and
Trevor. Their foresight, determination and the great respect in which they were
held played the foundations of a brilliant and professional organisation that
still exists over 30yrs later.
After the 1975 event, Fez Parker wrote in Motoring News "Pure Malt, 7yrs
distilled and presented by 2300 Club". Thankfully this blend keeps on
maturing.
Incredibly, the Tour of Mull has achieved, like no other event, a dedicated
and appreciated sponsor in Phillips Electronics - their commitment and input
impeccable.
For decades people have travelled from far off lands to experience
friendship, hospitality and good motor sport mixed with a few social activities
equal to none. This is "The Best Rally in the World".
Over the last decade local drivers have dominated the top ten. Neil
Mackinnon's 10wins are a credit to his skill and knowledge of the roads. The
Mulleuch dominance looks likely to continue but perhaps someone "doon
there" has other ideas.
In the early 1990's the ultimate arrived. Day/Night Closed Roads. Superb!!!
The tarmac rallyman's dream.
Whilst spectating on Saturday afternoon not far from Brian Molyneux Cairn
looking down the hairpins, it is possible that a driver will be seen probably
not winning anything other than my admiration and bearing a big grin, having
just driven exactly the same time for day and night in the Tobermory/Dervaig
section. Man and machine in perfect harmony.
I wish all competitors, Marshall's and spectators good luck and have an
enjoyable 2002 rally.
Ian Gemmell
