Video: Kris Meeke slides his classic Escort in historic rally

09th May 2024

Ethan Jupp

Kris Meeke’s retirement from contemporary rallying is going really rather well by our reckoning. Why? Because as every racing driver should, he’s turning the busman’s holiday into the busman’s hobby, doing the Dakar and rallying in classics.

Take today’s video as an outstanding example of how to do it, as Meeke takes on the Kuri Bush stage at the 2024 Otago Rally, in nothing less than a good old-fashioned, manual, rear-wheel-drive, 1970s Ford Escort. It was Meeke’s first time at the event but that dab hand adapted swiftly to an alien stage. It was fellow Irishman and 2023 British Rally Champion co-driver Noel O'Sullivan feeding the script, so Meeke was in safe hands.

The commenter summed it up perfectly, really: “In a world of hybrids, electric cars & all sorts of technological advances an Escort from the 1970’s with three pedals, a starting key & two Irish men is still the best.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Lotus Elan 26R goes for a record Goodwood lap time