Weston Jr returns to rallying in Scotland

Reigning BTRDA Gold Star champion Dave Weston Jr will return to competition for the first time in over a year at this weekend’s Grampian Rally.

Weston was last out in July 2015 when he sealed the BTRDA title, but hasn’t competed since and will be back out on the Scottish Rally Championship counter thanks to an old sponsor.

“It started off as a bit of a windup to be honest with an old sponsor of ours,” said Weston. “When we were doing BRC we used to have Whyte Cranes on the side of the car, he’s a friend of ours and it started as a bit of wind-up but it’s come through. They’ve put a good bit of money to it so here we are ready to go.”

Weston will campaign a Subaru Impreza S12B WRC prepared by Melvyn Evans, who also prepared last year’s title winning car. However this machine is right-hand drive, which could cause some complications for Weston Jr.

“It’ll take a bit of getting used to again and it’s a right hand drive car this time,” he explained. “I’m used to left hand drive. I was hoping to test but work is too busy.

“It’s still an S12B but it’s one Melvyn has picked up recently.”

Weston is an instant favourite for the event, but will have to face Euan Thorburn in his Peugeot 208 T16 R5, plus SRC champion elect Garry Pearson who will take this year’s title with a win on the event.