MN regular Rix to switch to gravel in unique Escort
Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship regular Aaron Rix will step up to the BTRDA and gravel rallying this year in a unique Ford Escort Mk2.
The car, originally intended for Rix’s mother, Clare, is a 1400-spec car built with a standard gearbox and a Vauxhall engine for the 1400S class.
Rix has only done one closed-road rally, on asphalt, after driving a 1400cc Ford Ka in the MN series last year.
“The car is new, gravel is new and hearing proper notes will be new,” said Rix. “It’s a new challenge but I’ve always wanted to go forest rallying as it’s more traditional. I don’t want to knock myself down but this is going to be a learning year going into something completely new. I want to build up through the year and see where we get to.
“The car is a bespoke thing but we’re in a good position because the company that dad [Ian Rix] has got specialises in making Escort parts. That gives us a bit of an upper hand.
“The 1400S class in the BTRDA is competitive. It’s a Vauxhall engine, it’s what the Corsa and Novas run. It seems to be reliable and give good power.”
Rix did not compete regularly in the second half of 2018 as he looks to build the car up ready for the Malcolm Wilson Rally.
He will miss the BTRDA opener and compete in his father Ian’s Gp 4 Historic Escort Mk2 at Snetterton in the MN Circuit Rally Championship on February 16.