Retson races to victory
Blairgowrie rally driver Finlay Retson tasted victory at the weekend.
The 22 year-old teamed up with Welshman Rhys Stoneman to win the Kingdom Stages, run by Glenrothes Motor Sport Club, at Crail Airfield on Saturday.
It was only Retson’s second time competing this year and the second time he has driven a four wheeldrive car – namely a hired Dom Buckely RSC M-Sport Fiesta Rally2.
The day started off in damp conditions after heavy overnight rain, something which was to continue as the heavens opened while the first senior cars lined-up for the opening stage.
However, this did not stop the dynamic duo as, after a reseeding from a start position of eighth, the boys blasted off the start line and soon moved up to fourth on the road.
After a cautious first stage getting used to the car and the slippy conditions the crew found themselves emerge unscathed and eventually in third place overall.
Retson and Stoneman would go on to win the second stage by two seconds over local driver Alan Kirkaldy, who was driving a similar Fiesta R5.
Delighted to take a stage win in such a seasoned field, it was now a case of reeling in Alistair Inglis and Alan Kirkaldy, who were occupying the top two positions.
Stage three saw Retson and Stoneman 13 seconds adrift of Kirkaldy but six seconds quicker than Inglis, which saw them move to second overall.
The fourth stage saw Retson take his second stage win of the day after Inglis suffered damage to his vehicle.
This meant, with one stage to go and a one-minute lead, Retson and Stoneman knew it was a case of bringing to car home to seal their first win as part of the RSC team.
And they duly did, finishing one minute and 17 seconds ahead of runner-up Barry Goundwater’s Subaru S11 WRC.
Afterwards, Retson thanked the sponsors and supporters who have helped him to progress through the ranks over the years.
These include DJR Services, Vending By JSR, Cross Civils & Construction Services, GF Job Heavy Haulage Ltd, Maryton Garage Ltd, Kevin Donachie Electricians, Dom Buckley RSC, G S Robertson Ltd, Rally Team Scotland and RS Rallying.