Scanning through the entry record of this year’s 2009 Western Australian Targa West tarmac rally, I was delighted to see no fewer than 5 Mk1 Ford Escorts entered in the vintage opposition classification. Possessing owned and competed in Female escorts , I can not aid but admire the tenacity and devotion of the house owners and motorists who carry on to put together and race these wonderful vehicles.
Because their launch in 1968, the Mk1 escort has persistently highlighted in Rally opposition all around the globe. For practically seven several years after it truly is release, the MK1 Escort dominated the international rally scene, ultimately passing on the mantle to it is equally dominant Mk2 successor.
Even today the Mk1 Escort is a popular selection for young drivers entering Motorsport. Numerous popular rally legends have made their start off in an Escort. The late Colin McRae campaigned escorts for several many years, no question affected by his Father, five instances British Champion Jimmy who can nevertheless be found campaigning Escorts in the Historic competitions about Europe.
Another extremely talented McRae in the condition of Alister will be competing in this year’s Targa West in a Ralliart well prepared Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 10 in the contemporary competition category. Alister dominated final year’s Classic category in a Porsche 911, I am predicting he’ll be very hard to conquer.
Getting competed for the very last 2 many years in this function, I am going to welcome the possibility to consider a action back again and soak in the spectacle from a spectator’s standpoint. Even though enjoying the function from the confines of a TVR driven Triumph TR8, I often experienced a single eye firmly mounted on the Mk1 Escort Mexico’s and RS2000’s in the stages & support parks.
I am going to be watching Alister’s overall performance at the pointy end of the field with fascination, but my coronary heart will be well and really set back again in the traditional competitors group, in which the spine tingling throaty roar of twin weber adorned Mk1 Escorts in entire cry will truly be a sight to behold.
Alan Blackmore is a company owner, motor sport enthusiast and diehard Ford Mk1 Escort admirer.