Protyre Asphalt champion Callum Black fulfilled a rallying dream this week when he travelled to M-Sport’s Evaluation Centre test track to drive a Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 – his prize for being the top-placed Ford finisher at the end of this year’s sealed-surface series.
The prize came about thanks to the incredible generosity of Malcolm Wilson OBE – the M-Sport Managing Director showing yet again his magnificent support of British national rallying by offering this money-can’t-buy reward.
Callum and co-driver Jack Morton, who won back-to-back Protyre Asphalt titles in their 568 Sport-prepared Pallas Connections Ford Fiesta Rally2, received a detailed technical briefing and seat fitting before letting rip around the world-class Cockermouth facility in the WRC machine.
A guided tour of M-Sport and lunch followed, as everyone was superbly looked after by Malcolm, Rich Millener (Team Principal, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team), Tom Krawszik (Rally2 Customer Liaison & Car Sales) and the magnificent M-Sport staff.
“What a day – what a car,” said Callum!
“Days like this are what dreams are made of. Words can’t describe how much fun the car is to drive and what it means to me to be able to drive a Rally 1 car. It’s everything you’d expect it to be and more, an absolute pleasure.
“I can’t thank everyone involved enough for putting today together. I’m so grateful for the opportunity from M-Sport, in particular Malcolm [Wilson], Rich [Millener] and Tom [Krawszik]. None of it would have been possible without Paul Morris and Donna Preston for putting together the best prize in British rallying. Thank you.
“This will be a day that Jack [Morton] and I will never forget. Thank you all.”
“It was an absolutely incredible day having our prize for winning the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship – a test in a Puma Rally1,” added Jack.
“Words can’t describe how good the car is. From its launch and its punch between corners to the downforce. What an absolute beast of a thing! It’s something me and Callum will never forget.
“Cal, as expected, got up to speed fairly quickly. He was a joy to sit alongside as always.
“A massive thanks goes to Paul, Donna and Paul [Wakely] for managing to pull off such a prize. To Malcolm, Rich and Tom at M-Sport for giving us both this incredible opportunity and hosting all of us for a tour and lunch at the facility.”
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