Mk1 Escort – Ford’s Renowned Rally Vehicle Nevertheless Alive and Well in 2009

Scanning by means of the entry record of this year’s 2009 Western Australian Targa West tarmac rally, I was happy to see no less than five Mk1 Ford Escorts entered in the classic opposition group. Having owned and competed in this famous marque, I cannot help but admire the tenacity and determination of the house owners and motorists who proceed to put together and race these magnificent automobiles.

Since their launch in 1968, the Mk1 escort has persistently showcased in Rally competition all around the world. For nearly seven several years soon after it truly is launch, the MK1 Escort dominated the international rally scene, last but not least passing on the mantle to it truly is equally dominant Mk2 successor.

Even right now the Mk1 Escort is a common decision for youthful motorists coming into Motorsport. Numerous well-known rally legends have produced their commence in an Escort. The late Colin McRae campaigned escorts for a lot of many years, no doubt motivated by his Father, 5 instances British Winner Jimmy who can nonetheless be identified campaigning Escorts in the Historic competitions about Europe.

An additional really gifted 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 present day competitors class. Alister dominated very last year’s Classic group in a Porsche 911, I am predicting he’ll be really tough to conquer.

Possessing competed for the very last 2 several years in this event, I will welcome the opportunity to take a step back and soak in the spectacle from a spectator’s viewpoint. Even though enjoying the event from the confines of a TVR powered Triumph TR8, I always experienced one particular eye firmly fastened on the Mk1 Escort Mexico’s and RS2000’s in the levels & service parks.

I will be viewing Alister’s functionality at the pointy stop of the field with interest, but my heart will be properly and really fixed again in the traditional competitiveness group, in which the backbone tingling throaty roar of twin weber adorned Mk1 Escorts in entire cry will truly be a sight to behold.

Cumbria escorts is a enterprise operator, motor sport enthusiast and diehard Ford Mk1 Escort supporter.