Scanning via the access listing of this year’s 2009 Western Australian Targa West tarmac rally, I become pleased to peer no fewer than five Mk1 Ford Escorts entered within the traditional opposition category. Having owned and competed on this legendary marque, I can’t assist but appreciate the tenacity and dedication of the owners and drivers who retain to put together and race those superb automobiles.
Since their release in 1968, the Mk1 escort has consistently featured in Rally competition around the world. For nearly 7 years after it’s release, the MK1 Escort ruled the worldwide rally scene, subsequently passing on the mantle to it’s equally dominant Mk2 successor.
Even nowadays the Mk1 Escort is a popular desire for younger drivers coming into Motorsport. Many well-known rally legends have made their start in an Escort. The past due Colin McRae campaigned escorts for decades, no doubt stimulated through his Father, 5 instances British Champion Jimmy who can nonetheless İzmir Escort be observed campaigning Escorts inside the Historic competitions round Europe.
Another extraordinarily gifted McRae in the shape of Alister can be competing in this yr’s Targa West in a Ralliart organized Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 10 in the cutting-edge competition category. Alister dominated closing yr’s Classic category in a Porsche 911, I’m predicting he’ll be extremely difficult to overcome.
Having competed for the closing 2 years on this event, I’ll welcome the possibility to take a step returned and soak within the spectacle from a spectator’s attitude. While playing the occasion from the confines of a TVR powered Triumph TR8, I usually had one eye firmly constant at the Mk1 Escort Mexico’s and RS2000’s in the degrees & provider parks.
I’ll be watching Alister’s overall performance at the pointy end of the field with hobby, but my heart could be nicely and definitely constant returned within the classic opposition category, in which the spine tingling throaty roar of twin weber adorned Mk1 Escorts in complete cry will honestly be a sight to behold.
Alan Blackmore is a business proprietor, motor game fanatic and diehard Ford Mk1 Escort fan.