Rising Perthshire rally star Finlay Retson has swapped the forest stages for the family farm in a key worker change of direction during lockdown.
The Blairgowrie 19-year-old had been hoping to maintain momentum in a 2020 Junior British Rally Championship assault after a career-best second place in the opening round just before coronavirus stalled world motorsport.
But his new driving seat is in machinery at his grandfather’s poultry business of JSR Services Blairgowrie, helping with the rearing of lay pullets for the nation’s egg production.
Retson led his category and set two fastest stage times in February’s Llandudno-based Cambrian Rally before coming home second in his Watermans Solicitors-backed Ford Fiesta R2.
He said: “Of course I’m disappointed not to be out there competing at the moment but there are much more important issues effecting the world right now so we all have to do our bit and contribute to that in whatever way we can.
“Usually around now, I’d be preparing for the next round of the British Rally Championship but with the events being postponed, I turned my hand to a different kind of driving – helping out with the family firm, driving machinery and generally helping with the day-to-day running of the business.
“The food industry is seen as a key worker sector, so it means we are working hard to ensure stock levels are as good as possible at the moment.”
Retson’s rally path has included the Scottish Junior series for 14-17-year-olds, the BTRDA Gravel Championship and the Fiesta ST Trophy, before heading into the Junior BRC feeder series, the Cadet Cup.
His maiden season in the Junior British Championship also saw him compete in the M-Sport Fiesta Trophy, with a podium finish in 2019’s Pirelli Rally a highlight on the way to finishing sixth in the Junior BRC and runner-up in the Fiesta Trophy.
And, like many racers, he has found the simulator a worthwhile way of pitting his talent against online rivals.
“I’m missing competition, but I’m working hard to stay match fit so that we can hit the ground running when everything gets back to normal,” he said.
