Although popular with the privateers, the Mk1 RS2000
never really had much involvement in motorsport as a works car - but then it was never
built for that purpose. Whereas the RS1600 came about to provide Ford with a means of
participating successfully in motorsport, and in particular rallying, the RS2000 was
launched for commercial rather than competition reasons.
Roger Clarke did win the 1974 Mintex Dales in an
RS2000, driving AOO 674L. Incidentally, this was the only time he actually rallied an
RS2000.
Roger Clark's RS2000, A00 674L on the 1974
Mintex Dales
However, the most notable success was on the Avon Tour
of Britain. This was an event designed to incorporate both rallying and circuit racing
into one event, featuring rally and race drivers from all over the world.
Roger Clark on the 1974 Avon Tour of Britain
In 1974, on its debut works outing, Ford entered two
Group One RS2000's. One was driven by Roger Clark with Jim Porter as his co-driver and the
other by Gerry Marshall paired with Paul White. Driving a pair of white RS2000's, Clark
headed home in first place driving PVX445M, closely followed by Marshall in PVX 446M.
Roger Clark leads Gerry Marshall in 1974 Avon
Tour of Britain
Clarke In Action Again On Tour of Britain
In 1975, Tony Pond also took victory on the Avon Tour
of Britain driving TFR 8, a privately owned and entered RS2000.
During the same year Tom Walkinshaw, made
appearances in the British Saloon Car Championship. Driving a green Mk1 RS2000 with dark
green decals, his success however was limited.
Tony Pond drives to victory in 1975 Avon Tour
of Britain
