History 1970s

1972 RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1972 RAC Rally

Date: November 18–23, 1972

Host Country: Great Britain

Surface: Mixed

Total Distance: ~2,000 km

Total Starters: 198 crews

Total Finishers: 67 crews

The 1972 RAC Rally was one of the most competitive and grueling events of the year, spanning over 2,000 kilometers of British forest gravel, moorland stages, and wet tarmac transits. Known for its tough weather, punishing pace, and minimal reconnaissance, it demanded natural talent and adaptability. Roger Clark and Tony Mason’s win marked a major moment for British rallying and Ford's Escort program.

Route

Welsh Forests: Slick, narrow roads with constant elevation change and tight corner sequences through Hafren, Dyfi, and Clocaenog.
Yorkshire Moors: Open, windswept gravel offering high speeds but little visual reference in fog or rain.
Scottish Sections: Longer, twisty stages on wet and rough terrain where traction varied corner to corner.

The rally ranged from the Midlands through Wales, Yorkshire, and into the Scottish Borders, mixing iconic stages with high-speed transit legs between forest runs.

Heavy rain, mist, and early darkness meant most stages were wet and muddy, elevating the importance of lighting, tire selection, and mental focus.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Roger Clark & Tony Mason · Ford Escort RS1600
2nd Place
Hannu Mikkola & Gunnar Palm · Ford Escort RS1600
3rd Place
Ove Andersson & Arne Hertz · Toyota Celica 1600 GT

Clark’s smooth aggression and Mason’s unwavering navigation gave them the edge over the international field, with Ford’s rally machine proving its dominance in slippery British conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

  • No Pacenotes: Drivers were required to run blind, relying on maps, route instructions, and co-driver timing alone.
  • Weather Impact: Torrential rain and persistent fog made visibility and grip erratic at best.
  • Mechanical Survival: Constant transitions between wet gravel, flooded fords, and rough tarmac meant every component had to endure extreme wear.

The 1972 RAC Rally was a true war of attrition and instinct—one that Clark and Mason conquered through a blend of experience, speed, and local knowledge in the quintessential British rally car.

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