Mk1 Escort – Ford’s Popular Rally Automobile Nevertheless Alive and Properly in 2009
Scanning by way of the entry list of this year’s 2009 Western Australian Targa West tarmac rally, I was happy to see no much less than 5 Mk1 Ford Escorts entered in the vintage competitiveness category. Having owned and competed in this famous marque, I cannot aid but admire the tenacity and commitment of the owners and drivers who continue to put together and race these spectacular vehicles.
Because Escort in Jaipur in 1968, the Mk1 escort has consistently featured in Rally competitors around the world. For practically seven a long time following it is release, the MK1 Escort dominated the global rally scene, lastly passing on the mantle to it truly is similarly dominant Mk2 successor.
Even these days the Mk1 Escort is a well-known decision for younger motorists coming into Motorsport. A lot of renowned rally legends have made their start off in an Escort. The late Colin McRae campaigned escorts for several a long time, no doubt motivated by his Father, 5 occasions British Winner Jimmy who can still be identified campaigning Escorts in the Historic competitions around Europe.
Yet another very proficient McRae in the shape of Alister will be competing in this year’s Targa West in a Ralliart geared up Mitsubishi Lancer EVO ten in the modern day competitors group. Alister dominated final year’s Traditional category in a Porsche 911, I’m predicting he’ll be really hard to defeat.
Possessing competed for the last 2 years in this event, I will welcome the chance to get a action back and soak in the spectacle from a spectator’s standpoint. Although enjoying the occasion from the confines of a TVR powered Triumph TR8, I always had 1 eye firmly fixed on the Mk1 Escort Mexico’s and RS2000’s in the phases & services parks.
I’ll be seeing Alister’s efficiency at the pointy conclude of the field with interest, but my heart will be effectively and really set back in the classic opposition category, where the spine tingling throaty roar of twin weber adorned Mk1 Escorts in entire cry will genuinely be a sight to behold.
Alan Blackmore is a enterprise operator, motor sport enthusiast and diehard Ford Mk1 Escort fan.