Scanning by means of the entry record of this year’s 2009 Western Australian Targa West tarmac rally, I was happy to see no fewer than 5 Mk1 Ford Escorts entered in the vintage competitors class. Possessing owned and competed in this famous marque, I are unable to support but admire the tenacity and devotion of the proprietors and drivers who keep on to prepare and race these wonderful vehicles.

Because their launch in 1968, the Mk1 escort has consistently featured in Rally competitors around the globe. For virtually seven many years right after it truly is release, the MK1 Escort dominated the international rally scene, finally passing on the mantle to it really is similarly dominant Mk2 successor.

Even today the Mk1 Escort is a popular choice for young drivers entering Motorsport. Numerous renowned rally legends have manufactured their start in an Escort. The late Colin McRae campaigned escorts for a lot of several years, no question motivated by his Father, 5 occasions British Champion Jimmy who can even now be located campaigning Escorts in the Historic competitions all around Europe.

An additional incredibly gifted McRae in the form of Alister will be competing in this year’s Targa West in a Ralliart ready Mitsubishi Lancer EVO ten in the modern day competition group. brothel dominated very last year’s Basic group in a Porsche 911, I am predicting he’ll be really tough to beat.

Getting competed for the final 2 a long time in this event, I will welcome the opportunity to get a step back and soak in the spectacle from a spectator’s standpoint. While experiencing the event from the confines of a TVR powered Triumph TR8, I always experienced 1 eye firmly mounted on the Mk1 Escort Mexico’s and RS2000’s in the stages & provider parks.

I am going to be seeing Alister’s overall performance at the pointy stop of the area with desire, but my coronary heart will be nicely and actually fastened again in the classic competitors group, exactly where the backbone tingling throaty roar of twin weber adorned Mk1 Escorts in full cry will truly be a sight to behold.

Alan Blackmore is a organization owner, motor activity enthusiast and diehard Ford Mk1 Escort admirer.