Festical Of Speed 2017 – Too Much to See

July 3, 2017 | Filed under: Classic News | Posted by: admin_classiccarmag

Bronwyn Burrell throws ‘Puff’ into the first corner of the stage

Everyone keeps telling me ‘you must go up to the rally stage’ but being of a certain vintage, I must confess the climb deterred me, until now, and I wish I had done it before. The modified area offers viewing without having to scrabble through the woods and the ninety machines entertain all day; just avoid the dust. The first thing to catch the eye was the Eastern Bloc’s attempt to challenge the establishment and in fact Group B with the impressive Lada VFTS. The factory managed to eke 165bhp from a 1.6 SOHC motor but its time was short, being replace by a mid-engine Lada Samara which never competed as Group B was banned. Bronwyn Burrell was part of the all ladies team that competed in the London-Mexico rally in 1970, the Maxi known as ‘Puff the Magic Wagon’ was converted from a production line car. Tracked down by Bronwyn in 2009 it has been restored and both performed admirably at the Festival.

FOS Shoot Out

Everyone loves a Firenza especially when they installed a V8 from the Camaro

Stateside stadium racer from Cody Currie and Mad Mike Whiddett’s Mazda ensured camera operators learnt really quickly where not to stand. Proton from Malaysia launched their R5 rally car, the IRIZ at this year’s FOS to contest WRC2 and its pace was surprisingly quick with its Mitsubishi Evo engine down-sized to a 1.6. In 1978, Toyota invested in the 4 valve head but rally rules banned their use but the 2000GT was entered into that years RAC and the RA40 began its career but failed to make a massive impression; looks great today. As the weekend closes the ‘shoot outs’ take place, drivers in all categories chasing the fastest times for a fantastic finale to a great weekend of motoring memories. On the hill 2017 produced one of the most exciting ‘shoot-outs’ for years and Jaguar took victory with Justin Law in the XJR 12D.