Looking back... Top rallycross driver to compete in Mallusk

European champion Martin Schanche was to be the star attraction at a rallycross event in Mallusk in 1982.

Racing was due to take place at Boyd’s Quarry.

Clerk of course, Mike Ford Hutchinson told the East Antrim Times that he had received a telephone call from the Norwegian driver asking permission to take part.

Schanche was to compete in his 300 hp “Zakspeed” turbo Escort.

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He was European Rallycross Champion in 1978, 1979 and 1981. In 1975, he won a silver medal in the Norwegian Ice Racing Championships.

Among the cross-channel drivers expected to race were Paul Eaton, John Clarkson, Phil Walter and John Welch.

Expected to make their mark were Ulster drivers Richard Douglas, Con Carey and Ronnie White.

The contest was to be screened by the BBC during an interlude in ‘Grandstand’ and according to the organisers promised to be “rallycross at its best.”

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