Siddall and Hilton on Safari in the East African Classic Safari Rally

West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, January 14, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Yorkshireman Andrew Siddall and co driver 'Captain Thompson' have been regular contenders in classic rally events for many years, racing the Siddall and Hilton Products Ltd sponsored Ford Escort RS2000. Siddall put in a quality performance during 2009 in the Roger Albert Clark (RAC) rally, placing well in Bulldog Historic Rally, the Isle of Man Historic rally and the Historic Omloop van Vlaanderen.

During 2009 Andrew acquired the 'Cossack' liveried Ford Escort Mk2 that Roger Clark drove to second place on its debut in the 1975 RAC Rally. 'LAR 800P' returned to competition in the event run in memory of Clark, the Roger Albert Clark Rally again, 34 years later in the hands of Andrew Siddall. The car was fully restored and prepared to FIA specification by XS Racing with backing from Siddall and Hilton Products Ltd.

In 2008 Siddall and Captain Thompson finished eighth overall and first in class in Siddall's Pinto-powered Escort Mk1. "It's the best rally of the year," said Siddall. "But I was on a big learning curve for the 2009 event with the BDA-powered Mk2."

After a cautious start Andrew upped the pace as he gained experience of BDA power and a five-speed gearbox. "I'm was just glad to get the car back in one piece," he said after not only scoring a finish but running to a very rewarding 11th overall."

The stages became longer and much more unfamiliar in November when Andrew decided to take on the unique characteristics of the East African Safari Rally. The event allows classic cars built before 1974 (to avoid modern powerful turbo charged and 4WD drive cars) to compete as they did 'in the old days' with long stages and limited back up and support.

East African Safari rallies have been run since 1953 with the winner's podium dominated by Kenyan drivers up to 1972 when Hannu Mikkola and Gunner Palm became the first overseas crew to win the event in a Ford Escort Mark1 RS1600.

The 10 day event ran from 22nd November to 1st December 2009 with 46 entrants from all over the world racing 5000kM through Kenya and Tanzania, from Mombasa to Nairobi and passing mount Kenya and mount Kilimanjaro en route.

On this occasion Siddall was guided by Mike Borissow in the navigator's seat and was driving a Datsun 280Z.

Siddall said "It was fantastic to participate in such a historic classic rally and to experience African geography and culture. The terrain included everything from narrow, twisty, forest jungle type roads to gravel (and rocks!), red soil and sand. The spectacular views included mountains, flood plains and massai villages not to mention the wildlife".

For information about Siddall & Hilton or any of their products, visit www.sandhp.com or phone +44(0)1484 401610

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