RS COMBE 2019
Castle Combe circuit June We head to Wiltshire for another instalment of the much-loved RS Combe…
All the action from the Bristol and Swindon RSOC event.
When it comes to friendly racing circuits, Castle Combe takes some beating. Based in the heart of the Cotswolds, this fast and challenging track offers something for everyone, including great vantage points for the crowds. Since 1997, it’s also been the home of RS Combe, a well organised event run by the local Swindon and Bristol RS groups.
This year things got off to a flyer as Wiltshire was hit by a mini heatwave. Crowds of Blue Ovals fans flocked to the circuit, with many looking like they were off for a day at the beach rather than going to a car show.
While this was great for numbers, it did mean that the guys out on track were suffering a little, especially as they waited for their track sessions. Fortunately, a stand
selling Slush Puppies was helping to keep everyone cool in the Mediterranean heat. As ever, the Fast Ford stand took a prime spot in the main paddock, with some very special cars on display. They included Mark Hudd’s mean, green Escort Cossie track monster, Hannah Ward’s bright pink YB-powered WRC-style Mk1 Focus, Ceri Morgan’s immaculate Mk2 Focus RS, Andrew Johns wide-arch Focus ST, and Mark Sargeant’s ‘RS2100T’ Escort. There was something for everyone.
With the latest issue on sale, plus a bunch of back issues available, editor Jamie was on hand to chat to readers about their cars and all things Fast Ford.
A big part of any RS event is the concours competition, and this year was no different. The middle of the paddock was taken over by some of the very best Fords you’ll ever see. It really was great to see so many truly immaculate cars on display.
This year’s parade laps included Capris, Mk1 Escort RS Turbos, Mondeos, Racing Pumas and Focus RS Mk2s – all grouped together by colour too; it was a real treat to see so many cars out on track together.
With some high-speed drift demos to keep the crowd entertained, plenty of traders and a huge number of lovingly polished club cars on display all around the circuit, it really was a top day out.
Hats off to the RS Combe team for putting on yet another great event – and for ordering that blisteringly hot weather too. Look out for a date for 2020 as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary in style. We’ll be there, so hope you are too!
Andy has owned this pristine Series One for ten years and has spent that time transforming it into a showstopper. “I flew up to Scotland on the 31st July 2009 to buy it, then drove it down to Ford Fair for our first show in August,” he says. The RS had covered just 64k miles and was in fab original condition. The upgrades came thick and fast, with the pristine grey paintwork the stand out feature of this car.
Under the bonnet there’s a built engine with a custom turbo providing the boost. Inside, the plastics have been flocked and there’s a B&M quickshift to sharpen things up.
The OZ wheels look especially good tucked up in the arches thanks to GAZ coilovers. “Id say my favourite mods are the coilovers, anti-roll bar and rear strut brace which gives the car stability – and the OZ wheels,” says Andy.
Next he plans to enjoy driving it before dropping the front running gear to powder coat it.
QUICK SPEC 1.6 CVH turbo, Group A coil, Kent 34 cam, Wosner pistons, custom turbo, EsCos spark plugs, B&M quickshift, GAZ coilovers, OZ wheels, CTS Stage 2 gearbox, painted grey, flocked dash, Cossie 4x4 calipers, thanks to KMI Engineering, Chris from PhirmFX for the paint, Mike aka Dubs 44, Raj Autoflock for the dash and interior, and The Phirm for setting it up properly on the road