Lee Edwards, the 2021 Ford Escort Challenge and class B11 champion, will return to the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship this year in his spectacular V6-engined Ford Escort G3.
The Oswestry driver always goes well on closed road stage events, and was the top-placed 2WD finisher on last year’s Down Rally – finishing fifth overall in the Protyre Asphalt series (behind three Ford Fiesta Rally2s and a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5) and winning Class C.
He was also the early 2WD leader on the Manx National Rally before taking home both a class podium result and the Dynamic Fluids Best Presented Car Award.
Lee will be supported by Blakemore’s Autos, Evans Construction Ltd, P&B Tyres and Bailey Performance and his first appearance of the season will be on the opening East Ridings Stages Rally (21/22 February).
“The Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship is the UK’s leading Tarmac rally championship with some fantastic closed road events, and we have some unfinished business here,” says Lee.
“We won the two-litre class and the Escort Challenge back in 2021 and I’m excited to see what we can do in the bigger class, now we have the car dialled in.
“This championship receives significant media coverage with Special Stage TV live streaming every round on Facebook and YouTube, bringing the in-stage action and end of stage interviews to the viewers.”
Lee will be co-driven by Sam Spencer. Having paired up in the middle of last year for three events, the confidence between them has grown stronger with each outing.
“We have a good laugh both in and out of the car, which is key in my eyes” adds Lee.
“But when the flag drops, we both knuckle down and do what we’ve got to do. He’s a pleasure to have in the car – but as for his dancing, that leaves a lot to be desired!”
The event Lee is particularly looking forward to is the season finale, which relocates to local-ish territory.
“I would have to say I’m most looking forward to the Hills Ford Stages. In previous years this event has run perfectly with a simple layout, and with it relocating to the Shrewsbury area I’d say that’s as close to home as I’m going to get! It will be nice to see familiar faces of our friends and family and give our sponsors some local exposure.”
Lee also has a bit of history with the Manx.
“It’s a really challenging event and it takes its toll on both men and machine. In some sections you’ll be seeing 120mph plus on the dash and the next you’ll be trying to navigate the ‘old banga’ down the tightest of lanes with the arches brushing the hedges.”
Over the offseason, Lee has made a few changes to the front end of the Escort, particularly in an effort to improve the turn-in, and whilst there has been some development to the 3000cc V6 Duratec engine, most of the time has been spent top and tailing the car front to back to maintain that consistent reliability he is renowned for.
“The aim is to always have fun and try to enjoy it,” concludes Lee.
“We all get competitive, but if there’s no enjoyment to be had then we might as well not be doing it.
“I’m a humble person, up for the challenge, and we will give it our best shot.”
Best of luck mate and any support you need just ask