RS CROFT

Hungry Fords awaited eager judges

When car shows become a freestyle event

NMS Focus attacked the fabulous track

RS CROFT 2022

WHERE CROFT CIRCUIT WHEN JULY 2022

We head to the North Yorkshire circuit for the Durham and Derbyshire RSOC’s annual event

Words and photos JON CASS

We always love the combination of a track day and show at the same venue, and Croft circuit in the North East is an ideal location for such an event. Fortunately, the Durham and Derbyshire RSOC cottoned on to this notion some years ago and, despite clashing dates with numerous other big shows in the area, the 2022 event at Croft proved to be another enormous success.

In contrast to last year’s show, which had cars spread out over the vast open areas around the grounds, the organisers wisely took the decision to restrict the displays to the circuit itself this time around. This meant there was far less walking between the many club stands, traders, concours cars, paddock and, of course, the main showpiece – the track itself. This created a much more actionpacked atmosphere, and friendly banter and car chat among Ford fans was as superb as ever; we’ve come to expect nothing less from RS Croft.

One thing that strikes you wandering around this event is the standard of cars on display. It may not be the biggest Ford show in the UK, but the sheer number of immaculate Cosworth and RS-badged cars on offer takes some beating. It’s not often you get to see a quartet of Escort Cosworths parked next to a brace of Sapphires with a repeat scenario just around the corner.

With a mixture of standard and tastefully modified examples, this was pure Cosworth heaven and proof that many of these iconic cars are still driven. We were especially pleased to see some freshly modified oldschool RSs too; if you’re into Eighties’ and Nineties’ Fords, we can’t think of a better place to be.

For those into the younger generation of modified Fords, there was still plenty to keep you happy, with Fiesta and Focus STs and RSs galore. Fortunately, despite threatening clouds, the weather stayed dry until the final hour, and even the fresh winds that were quite noticeable throughout the day didn’t spoil the fun.

The variety of cars on track was unreal: Caterhams, Subarus, BMWs, SEATs, Renaults, and Hondas were all battling on the wellknown circuit, famed for its link with the BTCC and rallycross championships for decades.

The Blue Oval badge still dominated, despite the appearance of other marques, with modern STs and RSs of varying specifications unleashing their potential without a speed camera in sight. Sierras are seldom seen at track days nowadays, but Croft always provides a few lairy examples

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

GARETH PARK ESCORT COSWORTH

Escort Cosworths are never in short supply at Croft, but one that really stood out among so many well-kept examples was this silver stunner belonging to Gareth Park.

Gareth is no stranger to modified cars; he previously poured much of his spare time into a Corsa VXR, which wasn’t in the same league as a Cossie.

Gareth says, “My dad and brother had RS Turbos, while I always lusted after an Escort Cosworth. I looked at a few but settled on this one in 2018.”

Bought as standard car, some of you may have already spotted this was the former Power Engineering demo car, which benefited from an array of choice mods back in the day.

Gareth says, “I’m not a fan of standard cars and was keen to put my own mark on it. I began by fitting a spoiler, Morette headlights and a carbon splitter.”

Those imposing Compomotive TH rims add a sense of purpose, while the carbon theme continues under the bonnet, with various covers. The RS500-style hoses and a Stage 1 remap are likely to be joined by a bigger turbo and a stand-alone ECU with a further remap over the winter, but for now Gareth is quite happy making the most of what the current setup has to offer.

Having said that, looking at the chassis and underside, it appears Gareth has already prepared for a potential power increase, as the Gaz Gold suspension, AP six-pot brakes, Anembo rear beam and powder-coated components should easily cope with 400bhp-plus.

Highly unusual for an Escort Cosworth these days, Gareth’s example has undergone a transformation from a standard car to modified, before returning to standard then back to modified once again.

QUICK SPEC Morette headlights, carbon splitter, Compomotive TH wheels, RS500 hoses, carbon engine bay covers, Anembo rear beam, Gaz Gold suspension, Quaife diff, AP six-pot front callipers, big rear brake kit, underside components powder-coated, Stage 1 engine tune

“One day, all this will be yours...”

complete with their sideways antics, much to the spectators’ delight.

Chris Beachim brought his recently built 350bhp S2, which, combined with perfect OEM-plus looks, had to be one of the stars of the day – we have a full feature coming soon. In fact, NMS cars were out in force, and witnessing the trio of MK1 Focus RSs from the same stable (including Tim Butcher’s 500bhp monster) was a sight to behold.

Meanwhile, Gary Lali was back in his burgundy Mk2 Fiesta L (another full feature coming soon) – which now has 259bhp on tap – and, as usual, he took it all in his stride, leaving exotic machinery in his wake.

RS Croft isn’t the biggest Ford show on the calendar, but thanks to the unbeatable quality and variety of cars, combined with non-stop track action, this event will always remain one of our firm favourites.

“...But I’ll upgrade the turbo first...”

“...And I’ll maybe change the styling...”

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

JACK SMITH SAPPHIRE COSWORTH 4X4

We’ve met Jack smith before at one of the regular Squires Fordmeet events, where he often showed his Mk3 Fiesta RS Turbo. Modified to 200bhp, Jack spent years improving the Fiesta and finally getting to a stage he was happy with. But why is his Fiesta not here?

Jack explains, “I really liked the RS Turbo, but I always wanted a Sapphire Cosworth. I decided to make the change.”

Jack looked at three other examples before settling on this white 4x4, which benefited from still having original panels and glass, and no rust.

Jack says, “Unfortunately, after three weeks I blew the gearbox up. I had it rebuilt, and now it copes well with 365bhp.”

To achieve that power, the YB engine benefits from a T34 turbo, Siemens injectors, RS500-style intercooler, wastedspark conversion and a Pectel ECU board. The brakes remain original other than uprated discs and pads, but the suspension has been beefed up with the aid of Koni shocks and springs.

And that’s not to mention the anthracite Compomotive TH2 rims, which were always bound to look as hard as nails on this car.

Jack smiles, “I’m happy with how the car is now, but I might upgrade the callipers at some point. Owning and driving a Cosworth has so far proved to be just as much fun as I’d hoped.” We all knew it would be.

QUICK SPEC T34 turbo, Siemens injectors, RS500-style intercooler, Group A air filter, wasted-spark conversion, Pectel ECU board, Airtec intercooler, silicone hoses, Koni shocks and springs, uprated discs and pads, Compomotive TH2 17in wheels, tuned to 365bhp

Jack says 365bhp is loads of fun

Late-spec 4x4 with rare cloth Sadly, we didn’t see this RS on track

Ultra-new-school is cool too

Jack hoped no one noticed he’d trapped his watch strap in the window “Watch this: when I lift my arm, the bonnet goes up”

Track-spec RS is partOEM, part all-aggro

Tarmac-arched Mk2 shows why oldschool still rules

XR trio was a welcome treat

Caged for rigidity

NMS motor kicks out 350bhp

S2 looks stock from the back

ST given a lot of stick Clubsport cabin suits an S2

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CHRIS BEACHIM SERIES TWO ESCORT RS TURBO

One of our favourite cars of the day had to be this perfectly executed Series Two RS Turbo track car built by Chris Beachim. It not only looked the part but performed impressively too.

We first met Chris years ago when he owned a grey S2, and he mentioned plans back then to turn it into a track car.

“I was offered this shell over a decade ago and decided to turn my attention towards this instead,” Chris explains. “It was a bare rust-free shell, making it an ideal black canvas.”

It turns out Chris had already bought and paid for the RS shell around three years before he had chance to pick it up from the barn where it had been stored. He adds, “It took another seven years to build it. Although much of the credit is thanks to the boys at NMS.”

With the aim to keep the appearance OEM-plus, Chris has managed to retain the iconic RS Turbo looks, complemented only by discreet carbon detailing and a set of gold Compomotive rims.

Even inside, the RS Turbo dash and steering wheel remain, but you might have spotted the neatly installed AEM digital display and dials, which nestle inside the original binnacle. In contrast, the NMS-fitted roll cage, bias pedal box and Recaro bucket seats are a world away from a stock RST.

It’s under the bonnet where the most significant changes have been made, bringing the Escort’s power up to a staggering 350bhp.

The engine is a combination of an NMS favourite, a ZVH: part CVH, part Zetec. That sees a big-valve CVH cylinder head mated to a Mk1 Focus RS Zetec-based bottom end, and there’s a T38 turbo, ID105OX injectors and water injection all thrown into the mix for good measure too.

The rose-jointed chassis has seen upgrades to match, with Leda coilovers, AP Racing four-pot brakes and an RS1600i crossmember; as a package this all adds up to a rapid track car with cool retro looks. Quite possibly the perfect combination for any RS fan.

QUICK SPEC Carbon Delights carbon fibre extras, Mk2 Focus RS M66 six-speed ‘box, big-valve NMS CVH head, Mk1 Focus RS Zetec bottom end, AEM stand-alone management, T38 turbo, ID105OX injectors, NMS twin Cosworth intercooler, Tilton adjustable bias pedal box, AP four-pot callipers, Leda coilovers, RS1600i front crossmember, rose-jointed, AEM digital display, Recaro seats, NMS roll cage, water injection, approximately 350bhp

Winging it, the RS way

ST could easily be mistaken for a Zetec S...

Air jacks: so cool

Generation game

...Except for the 340bhp lurking under here

Escorts are a core Croft fixture

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MICHAEL DUGGAN FOCUS ST

Michael Duggan spent the last 15 years restoring a red RS Turbo to such an impeccably high standard, he soon realised he needed a slightly more practical Blue Oval to use daily.

Michael says, “I love my RS Turbo, but I’m scared to leave it anywhere. The five-door Focus ST is slightly more discreet.”

Bought only a few months ago, this 2010 ST3’s understated looks hide a highly potent machine. The Collins CP340 remap, Airtec Stage 2 intercooler, RS injectors and Auto Specialists induction kit add up to a substantial 340bhp. The M-Factory limited-slip diff, Focus RS clutch and flywheel and Hardrace torque mount help to put the power down. Eibach lowering springs and Hardrace lower arms and ball joints improve the handling, while a Rob Galloway splitter, Panther Black ST wheels and a discreet CP badge keep exterior mods to a minimum, just the way Michael likes it.

QUICK SPEC Mountune gearknob, gaiter and starter button, Rob Galloway splitter, Panther Black wheels, Collins Performance CP340 remap, Airtec Stage 2 intercooler, Auto Specialists induction kit and inlet plenum, Pro Alloy header tank, Collins dump valve, Focus RS injectors, Mongoose 3in downpipe, decat and Section 59 exhaust system, block mod, Eibach springs, M-Factory LSD, Focus RS clutch and flywheel, Collins Performance short-shifter, Hardrace torque mount, lower arms and ball joints, tuned to 340bhp

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