For Cameron, rallying was never just a hobby - it was in his blood. Born in 1996 into a Mazda rally family, there was little hope he’d avoid the motorsport bug. But neither he nor Genny Hire Ltd could have predicted just how closely their paths would align.
A blind buy, A big surprise
On 26th October 2019, Cameron took a chance, purchasing what was advertised as a "spares shell" from an online auction. His only plan was to strip it for parts to keep his dad’s rally car running. A week later, on 1st November 2019, he collected the car, steering it onto the trailer using vice grips. But once he saw the condition of the chassis, he had a new plan - this wasn’t just spare parts; this could be a full rally car rebuild.
The shell was stored in the Black Motorsport Shed until May 2020, when Covid boredom struck. With plenty of time and nowhere to go, Cameron got to work. Over months of self-isolation in the shed, the car was stripped down to a bare shell, bodywork corrected and painted. Sourcing parts from as far as Austria, he rebuilt the engine and gearbox.
First run, first hurdle
By 26th July 2020, it was time for the first test at Crail. It didn’t last long—the head gasket blew. Another rebuilds followed over winter and spring 2021, as Cameron continued fine-tuning the car, eagerly waiting for rally events to return after COVID restrictions.
Then, fate intervened.
A connection to Peter Emslie and Genny Hire
On 14th June 2021, an off-hand conversation with his dad revealed an astonishing fact - the car had once belonged to Peter Emslie, the late founder of Genny Hire Ltd. Excited by the discovery, Cameron’s dad sent photos of the rebuild to Lorna Clark, sharing Cameron’s dream of competing in the Scottish Rally Championship.
Just weeks later, on 22nd July 2021, the Mazda was back at Genny Hire - a full-circle moment that reconnected Cameron with the company that would soon become a major part of his life.
On 14th August 2021, Cameron made his competitive debut at the Grampian Forest Rally, and from there, the rallying journey accelerated. Supported by Genny Hire, he competed in 2021 and 2022, securing 3rd in class overall for the 2022 championship.
From the rally stage to the Genny Hire team
In February 2023, Cameron found himself on the job market and reached out to Lorna. The response? "Nae allowed to leave!" He joined Genny Hire Ltd as a technician, working his way up to operations supervisor while continuing his rallying career.
By September 2023, he had achieved his best result yet - 18th overall and 1st in class at the Galloway Hills Rally.
Full circle: The 2025 season awaits
Now, in 2025, the story has come full circle. Genny Hire, founded by the man who once owned Cameron’s rally car, now sponsors both him and the Mazda, ensuring Peter’s legacy continues. From an abandoned shell to a championship-contending machine, the journey is proof that the right car, the right team, and a bit of fate can take you further than you ever imagined.
With Genny Hire behind him, Cameron is ready to hit the stages once again keeping the spirit of Peter, the Mazda, and Genny Hire alive in the world of rallying.
Genny Hire Ltd is an equipment rental company specialising the hire, sales, and service of power solutions, suited to a wide variety of applications within the oil and gas, energy, maritime, renewables, agriculture and events sectors.