A recent incident at the 2012 Shaw Performance Rally has put the popular black Subaru WRX rally car out of action. The team had set a fastest outright stage time but on the following stage mis-judged a corner and fell off the road damaging the front of the car.
With the Subaru out of action and in need of some panel work the team decided to ramp up the rebuild of the 1978 MK2 Escort that the team acquired last year.
The car was stripped, repainted and fitted with “forest flares” as used in the seventies by the factory world championship teams. With its new coat of black paint and a few stickers the car was first driven last Wednesday night before competing on Saturday at the 2012 Hellyer Rally.
Professional co-driver Daniel Willson (who normally competes in international events) was persuaded to call the way in the navigators seat and with driver Mark Butcher behind the wheel they performed consistently to win class P3 and finish 2nd outright 2WD.
With the Escort now up and running – the team are commencing the repairs on the Subaru and anticipate running both cars in some events in the near future.
The team will have a busy week – with a display planned at the opening of the Driver Skills Australia office in Penguin on Friday June 29 followed by a team display at round 2 of the Tasmnaina Drift Series at Symmons Plains Raceway on Saturday June 30.
If you get a chance to get along and meet the team make sure you check out the Britz Renegade 6 Berth van which will be on display also. “We love our Britz vans at events and getting away between events when we can. Its plenty big enough and comfortable and a great way to get around,” said driver Butcher.