Blair Richardson & Nikki Sim

📍 Lake Rotoiti & Glen Eden
🚗 Ford Escort Mk1 – Class A (1300cc)

For Blair Richardson, rallying has been a passion spanning almost five decades.

"I first started rallying 49 years ago after purchasing some used rally tyres for my Mk1 Escort from a friend's brother."

When Rally Taumarunui was announced, there was no hesitation about entering.

"Rally Taumarunui has always been an iconic event, so when it was announced I had to add it to my bucket list. It's also a round of the Northern Rally Series, which I'm competing in this year, and it's a fantastic opportunity to give exposure to my sponsor, CRC Industries."

Blair's Escort is anything but ordinary. In fact, it is believed to be the only 1300cc Cosworth BDH-powered Ford Escort Mk1 in New Zealand, and quite possibly the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. With much of the body constructed from carbon fibre and Kevlar, it's an incredibly lightweight and unique machine that spectators won't want to miss.

Joining Blair in the left seat is navigator Nikki Sim, who has been alongside him for every event except one since the Escort returned to competition three years ago.

The pair actually have a history that goes back much further.

"After our first event together at a Maramarua Rallysprint, Nikki reminded me that we'd actually worked together 17 years earlier!"

Away from the stages, Nikki is also the coordinator of the Northern Rally Sprint Series, dedicating countless hours behind the scenes each year to help make the championship happen.

We're looking forward to welcoming Blair, Nikki and their very special Escort to Rally Taumarunui. Be sure to give them a wave when you see them out on the stages! 👋🏁