This hot hatch is taking on all comers in one of Britain’s biggest rally events – with the backing of YorkMix Radio.
More than 120 teams embarked today on the Roger Albert Clark Rally – among them, York co-driver Simon Taylor with partner Aaron McClure from Cumbria.
They are taking to the road in a brand new, purpose-built Peugeot 205 and hope to complete the event without any major hiccups.
Simon said: “The rally is both a test of man and machine, tackling forest stages in South and North Wales, South Scotland and ‘Killer’ Kielder.
“The rally has a sting in the tail with a near 40-mile special stage which will ‘sort the men out from the boys’!”
It will be the longest stage rally in the UK for more than 30 years.
Some of the top names in rallying from across Europe are involved – including competitors from the World Rally Championship driving a wide variety of vehicles.
The Ford Escort Mk2 dominates the entry list but an eclectic mix of cars can be seen on the stages including a Lancia Stratos, Triumph TR7, several Porsche 911s, a Saab 96, and Lotus Sunbeams amongst others.
The Peugeot 205, sponsored by YorkMix Radio and Taylors of Acomb, is built to historical specification meaning that it is as close to a period car as possible with some minor upgrades to improve the reliability of the car.
“Just to even complete the rally is no mean feat – it is anticipated that of the 120 starters, maybe less than 30% will complete it without hitch,” says Simon, who has been rallying for over 20 years.
The Roger Albert Clark Rally has been running now for nearly two decades and was the brainchild of the De Lacy motor club in memory of the late Roger Clark who was a legend in rallying, driving for the Ford Works team in the 1970s.
Daily updates will be broadcast live online on the official Roger Albert Clark Rally Facebook page and daily updates will be sent into YorkMix Radio to follow the progress of the team.