We have started to give the Escort a freshen up in preparation for the 2022 season. So far it has not been without problems. Will we get it ready for our first rally in March, or will the Rover be making a championship come back this year?

The last time we competed in our Mk2 Escort was back in August 2019, at the Phoenix Stages, and sadly we had to retire with engine problems. We managed to complete 4 stages as the car was being temperamental all day with an annoying misfire. As we crossed the finish line on SS4, the car cut out and would not start. Sam and I managed to push the car to the time control, which was a heck of a slog on loose gravel with 22psi in the tyres! After 200 metres, we were devoid of all energy but as we approached service, a group of around 10 lads came running over from the service area and pushed us back to the service van.

Ade was servicing for us, but several other members of the rally family offered a keen eye and suggestions. We tried everything to get the Escort going again, but it was not to be. Our due time arrived, and we decided to retire from the event.

Since then, the Escort has been left abandoned in the garage with the engine removed as the plan was to fit the Vauxhaul C20XE engine, while I had a love affair with Sams Rover 200.

This year, the Heart of England Rally Championship has introduced a new class to suit classic clubman cars and this will suit my Escort with the Pinto engine. Cars suitable in this new class will be cars introduced for sale prior to 1988, and will have period OEM engines etc. This will fill a void which seems to be present in all championships, where currently Pinto powered Escorts would be competing against modern Millington Escorts etc. With all this in mind, a decision was made to put the Pinto back in and support the Championship.

On removal of the rocker cover, it was obvious what the issue was and unfortunately it was terminal. The central cam tower had shattered! After much thought, and budget consideration, I concluded that the best thing to do is to get a new cylinder head from Burton Power and get my friend and engine builder Mike to build something from new but take more time doing it too. This will mean that the Rover will be out again for this year, but hopefully we can get the Escort out for testing towards the summer.

While Mike works his magic on the Pinto, I have been using my spare time wisely and giving the bodywork a much-needed revamp. Now, I’m no expert in any of this and I’m definitely learning as I go, but I have had some expert guidance from friends in the industry. Thanks must go to Andy Brinkley of AB Bodyworks and Steve Hassell for their help and advice.

While the engine was out, I started work in the engine bay. A new heater bubble, and a patch of welding was required, so another favour was called in with my friend Craig. I could then remove everything, prep the metalwork and paint the new heater bubble and the rest of the engine bay.

I now had some confidence, so I decided to tackle the rear quarter which had some paint that had been pulled off when we removed the graphics. I’m quite pleased with what I have done, it is by no means perfect but I have learned so much and I can say “I have done it”!

I have now started with the underside of the car, wire brushing the floor ready for painting with Raptor. I have also found two small areas that need cutting out and a new section welding in.

Now that we are well into the new year, our first rally on March 20 ^th will arrive before we know it and my attention should probably turn to the Rover. Our first event in the Heart of England Rally Championship will be the AGBO Stages at Weston Park, our ‘home turf’ local rally.

In other news, Sam has decided to have a year off rallying, so I will have a new Co-driver for the 2022 season. Pete Bowles, another Quinton Motor Club member, will be in the silly seat. Pete brings a wealth of experience to the team, and is the only Quinton member to have won the Nicky Grist Stages that the club organises. He also had success in a Metro 6R4, in an era when there were still many being rallied.

Last years rallying calendar, was crammed into the last 6 months due to the ongoing pandemic. Many events were cancelled, or postponed several times. One was even cancelled the day before it was due to run! Let’s hope this year sees things getting back to some normality, and that the events that so many organising clubs rely on to survive, run without problems.