WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE!

Well, I think it's safe to say that summer has finally arrived! We've been out and about all over the country recently attending various shows and events for features in the mag, and getting more than a little warm and occasionally sunburnt while we've been at it.

One of the hottest shows so far was RS Combe. With Mediterraneanstyle temperatures and the chilled atmosphere, this show could have passed for being held abroad somewhere. You can read the full report over on page 58.

The weekend prior to RS Combe, we were at Ultimate Ford Show. This new event was a relaxing change from all the frantic rushing around at the bigger shows of year, and allowed for some quality time with good mates and top Fords. See what I mean over on page 66.

We've also been out and about at events such as RS Croft, and various club meets from local groups too - all for future issues of the mag. But, as I type this, the big one is still to come. I am, of course, talking about Ford Fair. We're just finishing off the final preparations for the show, and are nearly ready to load the cars and head to Silverstone.

I'm really looking forward to the show this year – we've got an excellent line-up of cars on display, plus there'll be loads going on around the show too. One particular highlight I'm looking forward to is watching Paul Swift complete a Gymkhana course in his awesome Mk2 Escort rally car! I can't wait.

But unfortunately, you will need to... that's because this issue needed to be sent to the printers before the show. So, for a full report from Ford Fair 2019 you'll need to pick up a copy of the next issue. Don't feel short-changed though – this issue is packed with some great stuff! For starters, I love Andrew Cross' Saph Cossie from the cover – this is my dream spec for any Cosworth! Then there's Luke Jones' Mk2 RS, a car that wins Show & Shines when it's stood still but unleashes 670bhp of fury on the way home again! And that's without even touching on Liam Merrick's subtle Mk3 Focus ST, John Foot's hybrid turbo'd Fiesta ST, or Nathan Rae's S1 RST track car.

And there's our first ever drive on the all-new Mk4 Focus ST too! Couple that with our old-school section, and there's something for everyone this month.

I hope you enjoy the read!