The Pro-Align sponsored Escort historic rally car is now preparing for further major events after an eventful outing at the Rally of the Lakes in Kerry earlier this month. The event witnessed all four season of whether over one weekend with drivers having to cope with very tough conditions over the fast and tricky stages.

The Pro-Align Escort, driven by Philip Wylie, with John Young in the navigator seat, was competing strongly at the top of the leader board on day one and was lying second in class after 110kms of special stages.  This was despite various technical issues, such as a locking front brake caliper on stage 2, the car running on just three cylinders for a third of stage 3 and clutch issues on stage 5. 

With mechanical issues sorted and after setting the fastest class time on the final Saturday stage, the team were very optimistic about the over-all result. However, on the slippery and foggy opening run over the famous Molls Gap stage, Wylie's Escort RS 1800 developed a serious transmission problem, which saw the car grind to a halt and retire from the rally.

A gearbox rebuild will now be required, but the car and team have shown that they are on the pace with the best of the competition in the Irish Historic Tarmac Rally championship.  The next outing for the team will be either the Donegal Rally in June or the Ulster Rally in August.