Last-minute stand-in saves Carlisle event for Ford Escort Mk1 battler Philliskirk

Warren Philliskirk came within five minutes of missing the Carlisle Stages at the weekend when his planned co-driver was taken ill.

However, just as the Yorkshireman was going to scrub his entry, Mark Casey stepped in. With overall, helmet and a HANS device borrowed from Baz Jordan and a set of safety notes delivered to the start control, Casey guided the Ford Escort Mk1 to second in Category 2 and ninth overall historic. “I had 20 minutes to prepare,” said Casey, who co-ordinates the Northern Historic Rally Championship. “I thought I was going to have to go home,” said Philliskirk after pleas on social media failed to find a replacement. “Mark was absolutely spot on.”