FORDS IN MOTORSPORT

END OF SEASON UPDATE As the motorsport season for 2020 concludes, we catch up with some of the teams flying the flag for the Blue Oval in various different championships

This year has been a challenge for us all, but thanks to the hard work and huge efforts from all involved in the motorsport fraternity, we have at least been able to enjoy watching some racing during these hard times – even if that has had to be on TV from the safety of our living rooms and not track-side like we’re used to. We have to congratulate all those hard-working race teams, event organisers, and track staff that have helped make the 2020 season happen.

And, as it turned out, the condensed and revised race schedules for 2020 meant the year served up some of the most exciting racing we’ve ever seen.

Of course, fast Fords and motorsport have gone hand-in-hand for decades, so it’s not surprising to see several Blue Oval models competing – and winning races – in various different top-flight championships right across the motorsport world.

Back in the November issue (#427), we brought you a mid-season update on three of the most prominent Fords in motorsport: Motorbase Performance’s Mk4 Focus STs in the BTCC, Academy Motorsport’s Mustang in British GT4 racing, and M-Sport’s Fiestas in the World Rally Championship.

That update covered the first half of the season (back issues still available from shop. kelsey.co.uk/issue/FTF if you missed it), by which time we’d seen the all-new Focus ST BTCC take its first race wins, the Mustang prove it can mix it with – and beat – the supercar elite in GT racing, and the nimble little Fiesta WRC is just as formidable a force in WRC as it always has been.

Since then, a lot has happened, there have been plenty of ups and downs for fast Ford fans to enjoy and endure, and the various championships have all concluded. So, let’s recap on what was an eventful and exciting year for Fords in motorsport…