Finlay gears up with a strong display in Lakes
Rising rally star Finlay Retson geared up for next season’s British Rally Championship campaign with a high-octane race in the Lake District.
The 17-year-old’s appearance at the famous Grizedale Stages also saw the talented Blairgowrie racer debut his new M-Sport Fiesta R2 alongside experienced co-driver Tom Hynd.
There were a total of 77 crews in action, with former Blairgowrie High School pupil Finlay and Tom seeded 48th and up against an initial 16 crews in class two.
Finlay was leading the field going into the third stage but slipped back to second position by the midway point of the day.
Drama ensued in the afternoon as, on the second run round Grizedale, the dynamic duo caught another car and the vehicle in front threw up a large rock, smashing its front windscreen. This caused a bit of a distraction but soon after the car pulled over to allow the crew to pass safely.
Undeterred, Finlay retained his composure to win class two by one minute and three seconds from a similar Fiesta R2. He also finished 14th overall in the main field in what was only a fifth rally on gravel.
The British Rally Championship campaign starts in March with the Border Counties Rally in Jedburgh.
Finlay’s dad Dave said:“Finlay’s family would like to thank everyone who has supported Finlay and Tom this year.”
Anyone wishing to join the team, support crew or sponsor Finlay next season can email finlayretson@hotmail.co.uk