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A recap of the Flying Scotsman 2025
The 2025 Flying Scotsman Rally concluded in a blaze of glory at Gleneagles, with William Medcalf taking his fourth victory in style—matching Gareth Burnett’s record, but uniquely achieving every win behind the wheel of a Bentley Super Sports. Navigated by Ryan Pickering, Medcalf’s masterful drive over the 680-mile, four-day course from Harrogate to Gleneagles secured them a commanding win by four minutes, topping a fiercely competitive field.
This year’s event wasn’t just about seasoned champions. For the first time, 25 per cent. of the field was made up of competitors under 30, and they didn’t just participate—they dominated. With an average age of 24, the young guns clinched three class wins, two top-ten finishes, and even the Spirit of the Rally award. Their success is a powerful testament to H.E.R.O.-E.R.A.’s youth-focussed initiatives like the Bob Rutherford Scholarship and the Rally for the Ages, which offer discounted and even free entry to encourage new talent into the world of historic motoring.
Among the outstanding young performers was Maximilian Matt (27, from Germany), who navigated Gerd Bühler to sixth overall and a class win in their 1938 BMW, despite mechanical setbacks. Georgia de Jong Cleyndert powered through brake issues to help her father Bill to eighth overall in a 1928 Bentley, while Alexandra Murray-Tacon helped steer a 1940 Aston Martin to a class victory. Spanish brothers Alex and Borja Sánchez-Silva, despite challenges in their 1925 Hispano-Suiza, earned a roaring ovation for their determination.
The top of the leaderboard saw tight competition behind the dominant Medcalf-Pickering Bentley. Mike Farrall and Zach Burns stormed into second place in a Jaguar SS90—an emotional victory for Farrall, who’s recovering from a major motorcycle accident. The Riley Sprite of John Lomas and Pete Johnson rounded out the podium, salvaging third after time delays on the final leg.
Further back, the leaderboard was a diverse showcase of machinery and skill, with nine different marques represented in the top ten, ranging from Lea-Francis to Frazer Nash. Even a wrong turn or mechanical hiccup couldn’t keep teams like Bühler/Matt and the Cleynderts from securing class wins.
H.E.R.O.-E.R.A.’s meticulous route-planning received international praise, with competitors hailing from as far afield as Hong Kong, Bermuda, the U.S.A., and Morocco. Special recognition was given to clerk of the course Guy Woodcock and his deputies James Phillips and Andy Pullan for crafting such an exhilarating route through remote and scenic terrain.
Published:
Thursday April 10th, 2025
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