Scanning by way of the entry listing of this year’s 2009 Western Australian Targa West tarmac rally, I was delighted to see no fewer than five Mk1 Ford Escorts entered in the traditional opposition class. Obtaining owned and competed in this legendary marque, I can’t aid but admire the tenacity and dedication of the owners and drivers who carry on to prepare and race these impressive cars.
Since their release in 1968, the Mk1 escort has regularly featured in Rally competition all around the world. For practically 7 years following it truly is launch, the MK1 Escort dominated the worldwide rally scene, finally passing on the mantle to it’s similarly dominant Mk2 successor.
Even nowadays the Mk1 Escort is a well-known option for young drivers entering Motorsport. Several well-known rally legends have made their begin in an Escort. best brothel campaigned escorts for many years, no doubt affected by his Father, 5 times British Winner Jimmy who can nonetheless be identified campaigning Escorts in the Historic competitions all around Europe.
One more very talented McRae in the shape of Alister will be competing in this year’s Targa West in a Ralliart prepared Mitsubishi Lancer EVO ten in the contemporary competition classification. Alister dominated very last year’s Vintage category in a Porsche 911, I am predicting he’ll be really tough to beat.
Obtaining competed for the last two years in this event, I will welcome the chance to take a phase back again and soak in the spectacle from a spectator’s viewpoint. Even though enjoying the event from the confines of a TVR run Triumph TR8, I always experienced a single eye firmly fastened on the Mk1 Escort Mexico’s and RS2000’s in the phases & support parks.
I’ll be seeing Alister’s efficiency at the pointy end of the area with fascination, but my heart will be effectively and truly set back again in the classic competitiveness classification, the place the backbone tingling throaty roar of twin weber adorned Mk1 Escorts in full cry will genuinely be a sight to behold.
Alan Blackmore is a enterprise operator, motor sport fanatic and diehard Ford Mk1 Escort fan.