Dave R

Thanks mate.

I'm ashamed to admit that I've completely forgotton the name of the guy who took us round!

Friendly, tall guy with v. short hair. (Does that narrow it down?)
Probably not!


Rich


[Edited by RichS - 11/5/2001 8:55:27 AM]

 

So I woke up this morning and drove my Impreza (feeble attempt to keep this thread scooby related) - to Dovenby Hall in Cumbria, home of M-Sport.

M-Sport is the Ford equivalent of Prodrive - the factory team that runs the Ford world rally car.

First we had a very interesting tour around the factory.
The facility is amazing - a massive investment - everything clean to surgery standards and a constant impression of no expense spared.

We were able to get up close looks (practically hands on) at the various WRC and customer rally cars as well as Colin's and Carlos' 2nd WRC cars.

We even had a look at the new 2002 WRC Focus being screwed together.


Then we headed out to the nearby forrest for a ride in one of the 1999 cars!

The actual car we were taken out in was reg. S9 FMC - the car Colin McRae won the 1999 Safari Rally in - the first Focus to win a WRC rally!

Our driver Mark, one of the factory test drivers (I think) took us out, in turn, for a full monty blast on the short gravel stage.

All I can say is OH MY GOD! - it was shockingly fast over want seemed like car destroying terrian. The level of grip, given the rough gravel surface, was truly amazing.

I now have complete and utter total repect for all co-drivers. Anyone who can read pace notes during that kind of assault on the senses deserves their share of the lime-light.


Anyway I'm still buzzing now and I'll probably never experience anything like it again.

I'll post a few pics when I get them sorted.


Rich

 

no doubt you were driven by Mark Higgins, nice chap.

He was due to drive the focus in this years BRC until foot and mouth hit.

He will be driving the 3rd works car on the network Q.

 

Yeah that's him - hellava nice chap and a very talented driver

 

Rich,

Glad you enjoyed your tour and blast around Whinlatter with Mark.

Who showed you around?

Please tell your friends and come again.

Regards
Daver
c/o M-Sport

 

Rich/DAve may I ask how much this cost?
Thanks
Colin

 

Sounds like a good day out Rich

Colin, knowing Rich, he probably got along for free

 

Scoob99,

About £1250 I think, but not sure really!

Bloody good value really considering how much the car and support costs to run on a normal test.

Cheers
Daver

 

how do you get on one of these i only live @ whitehaven and have never been near the place ??

 

philgr, Scoob99

Sorry - not sure of the cost or how to get in.

I was very fortunate and was invited by one of our suppliers.

Anyway - maybe try ringing M-Sport and asking them...

Rich