Passed master Finlay ready for tougher test
Reigning Scottish J1000 Champion Finlay Retson opted not to defend his 2016 title this year.
This was due to the Blairgowrie teenager having a desire to compete on gravel stages in 2017, something only possible after passing his driving test.
Prior to the big day, the rising rally star contested the first two Junior 1000 rounds in a borrowed Nissan Micra, due to his championship-winning Citroen C1 being sold to another young driver.
After turning 17 and passing his test at the first time of asking Finlay opted to compete south of the border in the DMack Fiesta ST Trophy, which runs under the British Trials and Rally Driving Association umbrella.
The services of experienced driver and navigator Tom Hynd were secured while visiting the auto sport show at the NECC in Birmingham, with the intention of joining the other crews at the Carlisle stages in June.
Finlay’s dad Dave said: “With assistance from the organising committee of the ST Trophy we were fortunate to purchase a lefthand drive M-Sport specification Fiesta ST, this giving Finlay his first taste of left-hand drive in preparation for future years competing in the British Rally Championship.
“We believe that the Dmack Fiesta ST Trophy is the springboard required to assist up-and-coming young rally drivers to reach the BRC and have the knowledge and experience required to compete at British level.”
Competing in the first of the Carlisle stages only two days after passing his test, Finlay was listed as car number 58 but rocketed up the rankings, finishing 28th overall and as the third Fiesta ST.
The latter result meant a podium in his first event as well as a special award for most impressive debut.
The next round was the Nicky Grist Stages in South Wales.
Owing to a lack of experience, the crew were seeded as car 97 but had a steady run to return as car 42 overall and as the second Fiesta ST, which meant another podium in a strong field.
The crew are now focused on the Scottish Rally Championship Grampian Stages in Aberdeenshire on August 12.
Dave added: “Finlay has now left school but continues working towards completing his first year of three at Loughbourgh Collage MSA Academy driver development programme as well as working for the family haulage business.”
Finlay’s main sponsors are GS Robertson, JSR Services, DJR Services, Binn Group and Robert Mortan.