Russell Brookes

Brookes’ sponsorship success and driving flair helped professionalize the sport in Britain during the high-stakes 1980s era.

• Ford Escort RS1800: A staple of his early-80s career, used in both domestic and international events.
• Vauxhall Chevette HSR: Drove this distinctive rear-wheel-drive entry in the early '80s with notable success.
• Ford RS200: Campaigned this Group B AWD machine in 1986, adapting quickly to its turbocharged power and short wheelbase.

Brookes was trusted by manufacturers like Ford and Vauxhall to represent their brands at home and abroad with passion and professionalism.

Brookes was known for his bold, crowd-pleasing driving style—always pushing hard, especially on home soil. His aggressive but controlled approach made him a consistent front-runner in the UK and a threat in WRC gravel rallies. Off-stage, his media savvy and iconic sponsorship deal with Andrews Heat for Hire made him one of rallying’s first modern brand ambassadors. His influence on the commercial and cultural side of the sport continues to be felt.

Brookes worked with several skilled co-drivers over the decade, including Mike Broad and Phil Short. His co-driver partnerships were marked by high pace, clear communication, and adaptability—critical during the era’s mechanical unpredictability. Their success was rooted in trust, especially when competing on narrow British forest stages at blinding speeds in Group B machinery.