Not the DSA Motorsport team however! They converted the Subaru ARC car to PRC regulations and set some top 3 times in a local Tasmanian rally finishing 4th outright. The car has then been stripped of major components for servicing for the upcoming Scouts Rally SA (July 30/31).
With a little idle time and an itch to do more rallying, DSA Motorsport owner/driver Mark Butcher stumbled across a classic MK2 Ford Escort rally car sitting in a shed not far from his house in Tasmania.
“I have always wanted to have a crack in an old school rally car and then this car appeared from nowhere it seems. It was practically ready to go and a great looking little car so I couldn’t resist and made the purchase. I am yet to drive it on gravel but I smile everytime I get into it!” said Mark.
Compared to the 4WD turbo charged Subaru WRX that Mark drives in the Australian Championship, the little Ford is a much more challenging car to drive with less power, rear wheel drive and no power steering.
The team will be contesting the Styx Rally held near Hobart the weekend before the Scouts Rally in Adelaide. A new co-driver will be joining the team for this one event.
“Kirsty McLachlan has been involved in rallying for a few years and so I am excited to invite her along for her first ever ‘real’ rally. Kirsty is only 16 and has allready competed in heaps of khanacross and motorkhana events as well as some gravel hill climbs. I reckon she might be able to give me some driver coaching as she has more experience in these little cars then I am!” said Mark.
The team will pack the Escort up and head to Adelaide with the Subaru to be joined by experienced co-driver John Caldicott.
“John has a lot of experience in this rally and area and I am very keen to improve on our results at this event. A podium is a long way off – but if we can get all of our ducks in a row we might just have a chance! We definelty would like to hang on to our current position of sixth outright and maybe look at moving up a bit if we can” said Mark.
With the support of sponsors Driver Skills Australia, Britz Australia and PPPrinting, the team are excited to put on a good show at these next two events.
Add Driver Skills Australia on Facebook for updates and to find out more about the team.
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