ESCOS DOUBLE WIN AT KNOCKHILL
The ever eclectic Modified Fords series heads to Scotland for Rounds five and six
The Modified Fords series held an away round across the border at the Scottish circuit of Knockhill. Well-known for its place on the BTCC calendar, drivers in the series travelled up to 500 miles to experience the same thrills on the alwaysentertaining racetrack.
The series dedicated to fast Fords drew a substantial grid, attracting everything from a brace of Pumas right through to the flame-spitting Cosworths and a thunderous Australian V8 supercar.
Unfortunately, oil pressure trouble saw the Falcon of Andy Robinson absent from the grid, meaning all eyes were on Dave Cockell’s 700bhp-plus Escort Cosworth on pole. Although by no means an easy ride, Dave demonstrated commanding lights-to-flag victories in both races, setting the fastest lap time of the weekend to add to the accolades and really show the dominance of this seriously sorted EsCos.
Race two saw the Escort lose all dashboard telemetry, which meant Dave had to keep a close eye on the closing RSR Mk1 Escort of Jack Gadd (who took a brace of second places) while also keeping a close eye on the Cossie’s health in the absence of any warning lights if anything did go awry.
With Dave and Jack taking the first and second spots in both races, the fight for the final step on the podium proved to a tough one. In the first race, Piers Grange took the honours in his Mk2 Escort, while Malcolm Harding’s Zakspeed-inspired Mk2 claimed the place in the second race.
Battles developed throughout the entire grid, and the class structure ensured the racing was evenly matched all around the 1.26-mile circuit.
Unfortunately, as with most races, some retirements are to be expected but the second race was halted when the front wheel of Paul Daly’s Focus RS spectacularly failed and caused him to fly off into the gravel trap at the hairpin at speed. Coming to a halt in the gravel and clearly with no way of recovering to the pits under its own steam, the decision by the officials was made to end the race under the red flag, as safety is paramount when it comes to racing. Thankfully nobody was hurt, and Paul has already said the car will be repaired and racing again in no time.
The Modified Fords move to Donington on 28 May to support the British GT Championship, and we’ll have more updates from the series in future issues.
Neil Roskell added the Manx Rally to his list of rallying achievements after dominating in his Fiesta R5. The 2022 Manx Rally proved to be every bit as challenging as previous editions, as this iconic rally returned after a two-year absence. Special stages on closed public roads make for a massive challenge and this was a win that showed just how far Roskell has come in his relatively short rallying career. He took the lead on the opening stages as Friday evening moved into darkness and, with co-driver Andrew Roughead, delivered a faultless performance through Saturday to complete his first Isle of Man victory.
He said, “That was only my second time rallying in the dark and this event is another level. I’m still learning.”
Out even before the start went pre-event favourites Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke and their Ford Focus WRC, when the pulley on the crank timing belt seized as they headed for the shakedown stage. It was a devastating blow to the crew.
After a stunning victory on the Monte Carlo earlier in the season, in the new Puma Rally1’s first competitive event, the M-Sport team welcomed back nine-time champ Sébastien Loeb as the World Rally Championship headed to Portugal. Loeb was once again joined by Isabelle Galmiche, and the pair set some blistering times through the early stages, taking a stage win on SS4 and moving into the lead of the rally after Friday morning’s runs. Unfortunately, it didn’t last; a collision with a wall on SS5 broke the rear suspension and halted progress for the day.
The French pairing was back out on Saturday after the M-Sport crew rebuilt the rear end during service, but a loss of power on SS11 meant they were forced to retire from the rally.
Meanwhile, Craig Breen started the rally in positive form, setting the third-fastest time (just 1.4s behind the stage winner) on Thursday evening, and continuing a steady pace throughout Friday. As the weekend progressed, Breen grew in confidence, and he headed into the final day in sixth place. Unfortunately, a brake issue prevented him from contending for any Power Stage points.
Teammate Pierre-Louis Loubet delivered a confident drive on what was only his second outing in the Puma Rally1. Setting a second-fastest time on Friday morning, the Frenchman went on to set two fastest stage times that afternoon. Continuing good speed throughout the weekend, Loubet finished the event as the lead Puma.
Adrien Fourmaux put aside the previous tricky couple of events and continued to build confidence with a consistent approach, while Gus Greensmith was quick out of the traps, setting a second-fastest time on Friday’s first stage and ending the day in fifth overall.
Looking to be in strong contention for a podium finish, bad luck struck – not once, but twice; first with a puncture, followed by a collision with a hidden rock that damaged the rear suspension and forced the young Brit to retire from the event.
Next up, the WRC heads to Rally Italia Sardegna on 2 to 6 June. Full update in Fast Ford next month.