Only One Third Of Cars Finish Rally

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 11, 11 August 1987, Page 1 (Supplement)

Only One Third Of Cars Finish Rally

LESS than a third of the competitors in the recent AWA-Clarion international motor rally made it over the rugged rally route to the finishing line. However, a far better finishing rate was achieved by the Motorcraft-sponsored Ford Laser TX3i course cars. Four of these fuelinjected hatchback cars started in the demanding rally carrying out course cleaning, safety and waming car functions, and all four successfully completed the demanding course through the Auckland, Waikato, King Country and Bay of Plenty regions. "This year, the event was one of the toughest we have had for a number of years. The demands were such that only 1 6 of the 5 1 starters finished - a 30 percent finish rate," rally chairman Morrie Chandler said. "Yet the four Ford Laser TX3s entrusted with these important tasks all completed the course - a 100 percent finish rate." Driven throughout the rally by such well-known motorsport personalities as former national rally champion, Blair Robson, and former national saloon car champion, Bryce Platt, Mr Chandler described Ford New Zealand's loan of these cars as being.of considerable assistance. "This practical support is in fact a major contributor in our ability to organise a world championship event," he said. In addition to its rally duties, the Ford Laser TX3i has already established a fine competitive record on

the motor racing circuits. Not only was the car the winner of the hotly-contested 1600cc class in the Benson and Hedges Series last summer, but the popular car also has its own AGCsponsored series at the main summer international meetings. Under the bonnet of the Ford Laser TX3i is a 1 .6 litre engine. This 1591cc overhead camshaft engine produced maximum power of 77kw at 6000 revs and maximum torque of 137Nm at 4200 revs. The Bosch LJetronic fuel injection used with this lightweight fuelefficient engine is computer controlled. To cope with the requirements imposed by the performance engine, the Ford Laser TX3i's independent suspension features an automatic adjustable system with the option of "normal", "sport" and "automatic" settings. Braking from this exciting driver's car is four wheel discs with the front discs turbo-cooled to minimise potential brake fade. Its outstanding engineering characteristics are complemented by a "sporty" interior with grey trim, stylish two-tone grey and black tweed panelled seats, full wrapover door trims and cut-pile carpet. The car's exciting styling is complemented by its eyecatching two-tone paint, while the spacious interior has room for five people with generous leg and head room for front and rear seat passengers.