Rayden’s first event was a club hill climb in a Singer special around 1962, followed by gymkhanas and grass track events, mainly with a Cortina GT. After establishing his farming career and, when time allowed, he followed another passion – bikes – from around 1975. Rayden participated in club motocross and trials then went onto hare scrambles and enduros at a national level. In 1989 Rayden realised a childhood ambition by racing a Ferrari at that year’s Ardmore Reunion, rekindling his interest in the sport. In 1990 he purchased the Willment Ford twin cam with its first competitive event the 1993 Telecom street race at Hamilton.

Rayden Smith - 1968 Ford Escort Twin Cam

Rayden’s first event was a club hill climb in a Singer special around 1962, followed by gymkhanas and grass track events, mainly with a Cortina GT. After establishing his farming career and, when time allowed, he followed another passion – bikes – from around 1975. Rayden participated in club motocross and trials then went onto hare scrambles and enduros at a national level. In 1989 Rayden realised a childhood ambition by racing a Ferrari at that year’s Ardmore Reunion, rekindling his interest in the sport. In 1990 he purchased the Willment Ford twin cam with its first competitive event the 1993 Telecom street race at Hamilton.

1968 Ford Escort Twin Cam:

This is an early Escort twin cam provided from Ford’s Boreham plant to the John Willment Group and developed to Group 5 specs. Imported into New Zealand by Jim Carney in December 1969 for Jim Richards and raced under the livery of ‘Carney Racing’ then ‘Radio Hauraki’, the car was often referred to as the ‘Richards’ Escort’. Jim put on many giant-killing displays against larger and more powerful cars – winning or placing highly on tracks around New Zealand. He also won every round of the 1971 BNSW 0-4200cc National Touring Car Championship. It has successfully competed at the original Taupo circuit, Bay Park, Manfeild, Pukekohe, Whenuapai, the Whangarei street race, Hampton Downs and the Leadfoot Festival. The car was also used by Jim and Faye as their bridal car when they married in 1972. It was purchased by Lin Neilson and raced competitively on all the South Island’s tracks and in the OSCA series. Its specs are: Ford Lotus twin cam 1720cc, Ford 4-speed with Quaife internals, LSD, brakes disc front and drum rear.