WHERE TO WATCH
In association with The natural home of the classic Ford is on the gravel and asphalt of the nation’s forests, moorlands and closed-off roads. But if you think this championship is all about the Escorts, you’d be wrong, and of course the Blue Ovals face some stiff competition from other marques.The Championship attracts the usual hardcore rally fans battling against the changeable elements, but there is plenty spectator space for anyone with an interest in wailing BDAs and sideways action. And who isn’t a fan of that?You can watch the action at the following rounds, or catch up after the rallies with full coverage on MotorsTV and via the iRally app. More details about the Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship can be found at www.historicrallying.org. Category 2 leaders Simon Tysoe and Paul Morris (Mk1 Escort). “I needed to be braver, but became smoother and didn’t give the car such a hard time,” said Tysoe on what would prove to be another very impressive performance.
Williams continued to build on his lead during the rest of the day to win by well over two minutes. But it was Barrett who upped his pace and clinched second overall and another class D3 victory in the RSR Historic Engineering Category 3. “Pinto power wasn’t enough here, but it feels good that I have actually done it now. I would have been happy in the top five, so second is a bonus and I will be back here next year with more power,” said the BHRC points’ leader.
After a spin on the opening stage Daniel Jones/Gerwyn Barry (Mk2 Escort) gradually worked up fourth overall and won class D5 on their return to competition, while Terry Brown and Den Golding retired their Escort. “We lost the rear brakes on stage two and then fifth gear,” Brown said shortly before leaving the fray. Rudi Lancaster and Kenny Owen spent most of the day ‘redlining it’, after the wrong diff left them running out of revs on their way to fifth.
Malcom Rich/Ryland James completed the top six and took second in class behind Father and son team of Bob and Dale Gibbons knew the roads well, taking class B£ honours in their Mk2 Cortina GT. Neil Williams and Peter James head to victory in their Mk2 Escort.