ISMO LEIKOLA WINS ON DEBUT IN ROUND THREE OF THE 2024 DEFENDER RALLY SERIES UK CHAMPIONSHIP

• Scottish duel: Round three of the 2024 Defender Rally Series UK Championship took place at the Scottish Summer Hill Rally at Thirlestane Castle
• Debut winner: Just six seconds separated first and second positions after two days of intense competition with first-time competitor, Finnish comedian Ismo Leikola, taking the win
• Championship leaders: Mark Thomas and co-driver Phil Mackay remain top of the standings, with Nathan Burrell and co-drivers Rob Morris and Matt Kirby tied for second with Denis Ferry and co-drivers Phillip Gillespie and Richard Mills
• Skills building: Drivers and co-drivers further developed their skills aboard their rally-ready Defender 90s, their third event of 2024 following two rallies in Wales
• Title sponsor: The Defender Rally Series was the title sponsor for the Scottish Summer Hill Rally, which saw crews develop their skills in a hill rally environment
• Looking forward: Entries are now open for the 2025 Defender Rally Series UK Championship, with experienced competitors and complete novices welcomed to participate

Gaydon, UK – Tuesday 4 June 2024: Round three of the 2024 Defender Rally Series UK Championship took place over the weekend of 1-2 June, with Finnish comedian Ismo Leikola clinching victory by just six seconds in his guest appearance.

After two days of competition and having borrowed a vehicle from a competitor in the Defender Rally Series European Baja Championship, Ismo and co-driver Chris Hammond finished the event in a time of 1h 52m 56s, with second place Nathan Burrell and co-driver Rob Morris finishing in 1h 53m 02s.

In the third event of the season, competitors enjoyed a fair-weather event at Thirlestane Castle, Lauder, in the Scottish Borders. With the Defender Rally Series the title sponsor of the entire Summer Scottish Hill Rally, every competitor was invited to an evening of food and entertainment before the weekend got underway.

With nine specially prepared Defender 90s competing amongst a field of 40 vehicles overall, stage conditions proved demanding. Thirteen vehicles were forced to retire from the overall field, including two Defender 90s – those of Paul McCallum and co-driver Peter King, and Richard Kingsley-Smith and co-driver Adel Tyson, who dropped from second in the championship to fourth.

After 200 miles of fierce competition, Ismo Leikola emerged as the winner in the Defender Rally Series, followed by Nathan Burrell and co-driver Rob Morris in second. In third position, with a time of 2h 0m 5s, was Denis Ferry and co-driver Phillip Gillespie.

Ismo Leikola, winner of round three, said: “I’m amazed at the result! I came here to have fun, so to have come away with a class win is thoroughly unexpected!”

The Defender Rally Series is now in its third year, with the largest field in its history – limited spots are now available in the UK Championship for the ‘Year One’ program for 2025. Drivers have joined the 2024 UK Championship from a broad spectrum of motorsport backgrounds and with a mix of driving abilities; some have previous track racing or rallying experience, others have no competition history at all.

Calum McKechnie, General Manager, Bowler Motors, said: “Big congratulations to Ismo for securing first place in his debut Defender Rally Series UK Championship event. The Scottish Summer Hill Rally, held in the stunning setting of Thirlestane Castle and its surrounding estates, lived up to its formidable reputation, featuring challenging tracks and spectacular jumps. It was a privilege to witness the team operating seamlessly under tight event restrictions, ensuring our customers could continue racing and enjoying the Series. The event showcased the incredible performance of our Defender Rally Series Defender 90s and the growing skills of their drivers.”

Rupert Hine, event organiser, Summer Scottish Hill Rally, said: “Hill rallies are a unique test of man and machine against the terrain and the clock, and to be successful teams need to manage their time, the maintenance of their vehicles and their own energy and skill. To see so many Defender 90s competing in and finishing the event shows just how resilient they can be. I’m hugely grateful to Bowler Motorsport and the Defender Rally Series for their support in helping us to make this event happen.”

Thomas and Mackay remain at the front of the UK Championship, followed by Nathan Burrell and co-driver Matthew Kirby tied with Ferry and co-drivers Gillespie and Mills in second. Third place is held by Kingsley-Smith and Tyson. The next round of the UK Championship is the Nicky Grist Stages in Builth Wells, Wales, on 13 July, with the fourth and final round of the European Baja Championship from 8-12 August in Iceland.

Defender Rally Series – UK Championship Round 3 Results

Defender Rally Series – Provisional* UK Championship Standings

*Championship standings are provisional. One point is awarded for event entry, plus 60 points for 1^st, 54 points for 2^nd, 48 points for 3^rd, 46 points for 4^th, minus two points per position thereafter.

Latest Events

Another Great Land Rover Owner Show

Find Out More

Bowler to showcase at Autosport International

Find Out More

Spring Scramble 2022

Find Out More