Burmah International Rally

The fifth round of the British International “Open” series provided Ford with a one-two-three grand slam with Mikkola, Brookes and Clark. The all-loose surface rally, in the Galloway and Argyllshire regions of Scotland, was led by Brookes for most of the way but late problems with ignition and a broken engine mounting saw Mikkola’s Escort (above) catch the Brookes’ Escort and both drivers finished the final special stage with equal penalties. The result was given to the Finn on a final-stage tiebreaker.

The British F1 Championship

The combination of Tony Trimmer and the Melchester McLaren M23 (pictured at Thruxton earlier in the season below) may not have proved quick enough to qualify for this year’s British Grand Prix, but has proved virtually unbeatable in the 1978 Aurora AFX British Formula One Championship. Indeed Trimmer, who also won last season’s Shellsport Gp8 title in a Melchester Surtees TS19, clinched the rather disappointing Aurora series with two rounds to go at Brands Hatch on August Bank Holiday Monday.