Student built Samba hits the Mull Rally

Published: Monday 16 Oct 2023

Myerscough College lecturer Danny Cowell made the long journey north to tackle the infamous stages of the Mull Rally.

Photos: Flat Shift Media

Danny once again was behind the wheel of the student-built Talbot Samba to guide him round the narrow and bumpy lanes of this legendary event.

After a heart-breaking end to last year’s event, retiring 300 metres from the end of the rally, Danny Cowell and Mark Standen were back for redemption, hoping to forget the differential failure that cost them a trophy a year ago.

The Myerscough College & University Centre supported crew was be running as car number 97 in the student-built Talbot Samba. With a challenging 133 competitive miles around the Scottish island, including night and day stages, it is a physical and mechanical challenge as well as a rigorous test of skill and stamina.

The classic event included two daylight stages and a challenging night stage, two loops of the legendary Mishnish Lochs, Calgary Bay, and Loch Tuath stages, then the final two loops of four stages, including two attempts at the daunting 16.63 run up the west coast and across to Dervaig. The rally ithen finished in Tobermory.

The surprisingly quick Samba was the only student-built and run car on the rally and Myerscough College Motorsport is always looking for opportunities for students to gain experience in the industry.

Danny and Mark secured a fantastic class win in the event.

“Gwion Morley, Jacob Neil, Bailey Coupe and Joseph Ellershaw were a credit to the college, performing under pressure and in some atrocious conditions,” said Danny at the finish.

“The little car ran almost faultlessly, but the lads were there at every service and sorted any problems that the event threw at them.”

“I’m so happy to finish after last year,” said Danny. “The whole team was fantastic and the rally is an awesome challenge for everybody. It is well run and I’d like to thank the organisers and particularly all the volunteer marshals who were out in all weathers and in the middle of the night.”

This year Danny and Mark were joined by Myerscough Further Education students Bailey Coupe, Joseph Ellershaw, Gwion Morley and Jacob Neil, supervised by HE lecturer Simon Moss.

The student crew were awarded the Gary Brett Memorial Service Crew award.

Their exceptional skills, dedication, and unwavering commitment throughout the event, come rain or shine, have earned them this well-deserved recognition not only with us, but by the event organisers.

Their ability to swiftly address mechanical issues, perform efficient repairs, and provide essential assistance to the driver and co-driver played a vital role in the success of the team.

This incredible achievement is a testament to their hard work and commitment to their studies at Myerscough. We couldn't be prouder of this accomplishment!