Scottish champions will not compete at Snowman Rally
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Scottish rally champions Euan Thorburn and Paul Beaton have confirmed that they will not take part in the Snowman Rally this weekend.
Inverness co-driver Beaton and Duns driver Thorburn, who won the Scottish title for the third time last year, have opted to change surface from gravel to tarmac as they are looking for a new challenge.
Instead, they will be taking part in the Mayo Stages Rally which takes place on Sunday in preparation for the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship.
After dominating the Scottish season in 2019, Beaton says it was time for them to take a new direction.
He said: “We have decided to race on tarmac.
“After winning the Scottish and BTRDA title last year, we wanted a new challenge and tp perhaps hand the reins on to someone else.
“We are looking forward to testing ourselves on the main roads – we are not looking to make up the numbers.
“We are looking to compete in the rally and try to win the competition.”
Beaton and Thorburn will be competing in the Ford Focus WRC 05 which earned them so much success last year.
Beaton says he might take part in some of the Scottish rounds later in the season if approached.
“I might do a couple of rounds of the Scottish championship,” he said.
“I have been in touch with somebody about taking part.”
Despite not taking part in the Snowman Rally, Beaton says he will following the race closely as his younger brother will be taking part.
Keir Beaton will be driving a Ford Escort MK2 with Elgin co-driver Iain Thorburn.
He said: “My plan was to watch him and make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid, so I will be keeping an eye on how he does.”
