Inverness rally driver's pride winning award named after father
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RALLY driver Keir Beaton says receiving an award which was named after his dad was one of the best moments of his career.
The Inverness plumber along with Elgin co-driver Iain Thorburn were named winners of the Peter Beaton Trophy which is given to the most entertaining drive at the Snowman Rally.
The trophy is usually presented at the Snowman Rally awards ceremony by Keir and his brother Paul, who is current Scottish Rally Champion as a co-driver for Euan Thorburn.
However, neither of them were able to present the trophy at the awards ceremony in March. But with the help of Paul and Keir’s wife Breagha, they were able to organise a special awards ceremony by FaceTime at his home.
Beaton (32), who finished 11th at the Snowman Rally driving a two-wheel drive Ford Escort MK2, was thrilled to receive the award named after his dad who died from cancer in 2013.
“Normally my brother and me pick someone out of the rally to give the award to,” he said.
“But because I was competing I could not see anyone else racing and Paul was over in Ireland.
“What I didn’t know was that Paul was speaking to the organisers about it and he had been keeping a close eye on how I was getting on.
“He thought it was best to give it to me and I was unaware I’d won until they FaceTimed me.
“I was delighted to win my dad’s award as he was the one that got me and Paul into rallying.”
Beaton first competed as a co-driver at the Snowman Rally in 2005 at just 16-years-old and this year was only the second time he competed as a driver.
He hopes that he will be able to compete behind the wheel soon targeting the Mull Rally which is still scheduled to take place in October.
He says his 11th place finish at the Snowman Rally gives him confidence he can improve in the future.
"It is good to know I can go as quick as the guy I can normally co-drive for.
“I want to be quickest in a two-wheel drive and get into top-10 finishes continuously.
“Not getting there in the Snowman this year gives me something to aim for.”
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