RALLY ACE LOSES OUT
Failed transmission sends Finlay into a spin
Talented local rally driver Finlay Retson was overtaken at the top of the Brick and Steel Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge standings after technical problems scuppered his chances in Kirkcudbright.
The Blairgowrie teenager – accompanied by co-driver Andrew Falconer – was one of 29 youngsters behind the wheel during the Solway Coast Junior Rally on August 7.
Sixteen-year-old Finlay got off to a great start and was leading after the first four of the event’s 10 stages.
But a broken transmission on stage six meant the local lad was forced to pull out, paving the way for championship rivals Ewan Tindall and Paul Hudson – who, like Finlay and Andrew, also compete in a Citroen C1 – to finish the event and take the lead in the overall standings.
In addition to the Brick and Steel competitors, the Solway Coast Junior Rally – held on military ranges – also includes crews competing in two other UK Junior 1000 championships.
Now in its fifth year and organised by Solway Car Club, top honours this time round went to an Irish team in a Peugeot 107 comprising Josh McErlan and Tommy McErlan.
Blairgowrie High School pupil Finlay and Andrew’s championship rivals ended in event in their position overall.
Brick and Steel championship coordinator David Barlow said: “Everybody left the venue on their long – or, in some cases, short – journeys home full of praise for the venue, the event and the organisers.
“Most are already counting the days until they return for the same event next year.”
The next outing for the Brick and Steel Junior 1000 competitors will be at Kames, Muirkirk for a double header on September 24 and 25.
The series is designed to encourage youngsters in the 14 to 17-year-old age group to become involved in competitive special stage rallying.