Student Fletcher Falconer is off to a flying start as he bids to join the crème-de-la-crème of Scottish rally driving.
And it all started as he sat outside the Borders ice cream parlour where he was temporarily employed watching the prestigious Jim Clark Rally flash through Earlston.
“I had always been interested in motor sport” said Fletcher, 20, adding “but that experience of watching the Jim Clark Rally definitely inspired me.”
The next step was to win family support and mum Claire provided the endorsement along with friend Ian Murray who was to play a part as a co-driver.
First, though, Fletcher had to acquire a car and the most cost efficient way was a broken vehicle requiring maintenance.
“Rallying is an expensive business as I quickly found out. For example when a mainshaft for the gearbox was needed these had to be bought in units of five at £1500 each; fortunately I was able to offload three of these parts” recalled Fletcher.
On to the roads and Fletcher, who is studying psychology at Aberdeen University, quickly excelled in the Scottish Tarmac Championship winning – against all odds – his class, the junior title and best newcomer awards.
It hasn’t been easy motoring though and during a night stage of the subsequent Argyll Rally a crash meant the front of his Fiesta MG St 150 had to be rebuilt.
Again with support from family it was accomplished in two weeks.
It’s onwards and upwards again now for a youngster looking towards competing in Europe as the next stage of his development.
“All options are on the table” says Fletcher, adding “but it is about striking the balance between what can be beneficial for my rallying without breaking the bank. in the process.”
With Scotland enjoying a rich tradition of rallying including the likes of Andrew Cowan, Louise Aitken-Walker, the McRae dynasty comprising Jimmy, Colin and Alister spring to mind – it might be worth noting the name of Fletcher Falconer as one worth following among the new generation?
