Scanning via the entry record of this year’s 2009 Western Australian Targa West tarmac rally, I was delighted to see no less than 5 Mk1 Ford Escorts entered in the vintage competitiveness class. Possessing owned and competed in this legendary marque, I can’t aid but admire the tenacity and determination of the house owners and drivers who continue to prepare and race these magnificent cars.
Given that their launch in 1968, the Mk1 escort has constantly showcased in Rally competitors close to the world. For practically seven years soon after it’s release, the MK1 Escort dominated the worldwide rally scene, ultimately passing on the mantle to it truly is equally dominant Mk2 successor.
Even nowadays the Mk1 Escort is a popular option for young motorists getting into Motorsport. Numerous renowned rally legends have made their start off in an Escort. The late Colin McRae campaigned escorts for many several years, no doubt influenced by his Father, 5 times British Champion Jimmy who can nonetheless be discovered campaigning Escorts in the Historic competitions around Europe.
http://jaipurangels.in/ in the shape of Alister will be competing in this year’s Targa West in a Ralliart ready Mitsubishi Lancer EVO ten in the present day competitiveness category. Alister dominated final year’s Vintage category in a Porsche 911, I’m predicting he’ll be really difficult to defeat.
Getting competed for the very last 2 several years in this function, I’ll welcome the possibility to just take a phase back again and soak in the spectacle from a spectator’s point of view. Even though experiencing the occasion from the confines of a TVR driven Triumph TR8, I often experienced 1 eye firmly mounted on the Mk1 Escort Mexico’s and RS2000’s in the phases & services parks.
I’ll be watching Alister’s performance at the pointy finish of the discipline with fascination, but my heart will be well and actually set back in the basic competitors category, where the backbone tingling throaty roar of twin weber adorned Mk1 Escorts in complete cry will truly be a sight to behold.
Alan Blackmore is a company operator, motor sport fanatic and diehard Ford Mk1 Escort fan.
