Scottish Rally driver Hugh Brunton will embark on his maiden British Rally Championship campaign in 2023, driving an ex-Andreas Mikkelsen and Toksport Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo.
Run by Neil Buckley at Dom Buckley Motorsport, Brunton and experienced co-driver Drew Sturrock will make the step up to the BRC1 category, after Brunton has ticked off just three seasons in the sport.
Starting in a Mitsubishi Evo, the Abroath pilot switched to a Fiesta R5 in 2020 and set about gaining experience of both surfaces. Having forged an early career in karting, Brunton is eager to follow a progressive path.
“I’m still new and inexperienced in rallying” he says.
“I only started in 2019 but I used to do a lot of kart racing when I was younger. Now, I`m drawn to the BRC because of the longer events and the chance to do recce. Working on my notes is a big part of what I need to learn”.
It’s been a steady climb for Brunton who acquired the Skoda last season. He has already taken three rally wins at single venue events, but second place at the 2022 Scottish Rally and February’s Riponian show all the signs are there for a solid debut BRC season.
“I just want to enjoy it and try and get to the point where my stage times are improving and getting closer to the top guys. I really looking forward to it, especially the Jim Clark as I think we’ll be quicker on tarmac, but I enjoy gravel better”.
“The competition will be extremely tough with the quality of guys entered. I’m just looking to push myself and our pace and see how we go. It’s a hobby and we’re out there to have fun but at same time I’m looking forward to taking it a bit more serious with time spent on pre-event test and the recce.”
