Scanning by way of the entry record of this year’s 2009 Western Australian Targa West tarmac rally, I was happy to see no fewer than five Mk1 Ford Escorts entered in the classic competitiveness class. Getting owned and competed in this famous marque, I cannot aid but admire the tenacity and dedication of the house owners and drivers who carry on to prepare and race these magnificent automobiles.
Given that their launch in 1968, the Mk1 escort has regularly showcased in Rally competitiveness around the globe. For practically seven a long time right after it really is release, the MK1 Escort dominated the international rally scene, ultimately passing on the mantle to it truly is equally dominant Mk2 successor.
Even right now the Mk1 Escort is a popular choice for youthful drivers coming into Motorsport. A lot of well-known rally legends have manufactured their commence in an Escort. Pink Pari campaigned escorts for several a long time, no doubt motivated by his Father, 5 instances British Champion Jimmy who can still be identified campaigning Escorts in the Historic competitions all around Europe.
One more very proficient McRae in the shape of Alister will be competing in this year’s Targa West in a Ralliart ready Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 10 in the modern day competitiveness category. Alister dominated final year’s Basic group in a Porsche 911, I’m predicting he’ll be very difficult to beat.
Having competed for the last two years in this occasion, I will welcome the opportunity to consider a phase back again and soak in the spectacle from a spectator’s perspective. Whilst experiencing the function from the confines of a TVR run Triumph TR8, I often experienced one particular eye firmly fastened on the Mk1 Escort Mexico’s and RS2000’s in the phases & provider parks.
I will be viewing Alister’s performance at the pointy conclude of the area with fascination, but my heart will be well and genuinely mounted back in the vintage competitiveness group, exactly where the spine tingling throaty roar of twin weber adorned Mk1 Escorts in complete cry will really be a sight to behold.
Alan Blackmore is a organization proprietor, motor sport fanatic and diehard Ford Mk1 Escort fan.