UP-AND-COMING rally star Fraser Anderson has announced he's taking a step back from motorsport - at least for the time being.

The Shandon youngster says he's taken the decision because of the financial pressures involved in pursuing a career in motorsport.

Anderson was forced to pull out of the Junior British Rally Championship after the first event of the 2022 campaign when a deal to run his Ford Fiesta Rally4 for a full campaign fell through.

His most recent competitive event was in the Junior Belgian Rally Championship's first event of the 2023 season in March of last year.

Announcing the news on social media, Anderson admitted it was "hard not to get a bit emotional".

"It's not a decision I've come to lightly," he continued, "but after much consideration, due to the current financial climate and how much financial strain I've been under for the past couple of years, it's time for me to take a step back.

"Rallying has been more than just a sport to me; it's been my passion, my adventure, and quite frankly my dream.

"I've been incredibly fortunate to experience the world of rallying. To feel the support of my followers, to work with some of the most dedicated individuals, and to push myself to my limits, I’ve been one very lucky boy.

"The memories I have of flying through stages on the Welsh gravel and mud, the Galway rain, the Finnish snow, and more recently the Belgian sun, will be memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Anderson first hit the Helensburgh headlines in his debut season in the Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge in 2018.

Following a second season in the same series in 2019, he graduated to the BRTDA Rally 2 series in 2020 after his talents caught the eye of British rally champion Matt Edwards - only for Covid to put his career trajectory on hold.

Later that year his short-term, and longer-term, ambitions were put on hold when his Ford Fiesta R2 went up in flames during a pre-event test.

But he was back in action in 2021, moving up to the British Rally Championship Academy Trophy.

His inaugural assault on the Junior British Rally Championship was announced in the spring of 2022 - but he failed to finish the first event of the season, and within weeks a deal with Taylor Motorsport for a full-season JBRC campaign fell through.

He continued: "As this chapter closes, the stories and the lessons will last a lifetime.

"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who's been part of this journey - my family, friends, the teams I've worked with, my ever faithful sponsors, and my fellow competitors. Your support and belief in me has been the fuel that has kept me going when things were tough.

"The adventure doesn't end here, it simply changes course. I may be stepping away from competing for now, but my heart will always be with rallying, keeping an eye on the times and cheering on the incredible talents this sport has to offer.

"Thank you all for the amazing years, the highs, the lows, and the unforgettable moments. Here's to the next adventure, with the same passion and drive that rallying has taught me."