When the Ford Capri MK1 hit the racetracks of Europe in the late 1960s, it quickly became clear that this coupe was more than just a sporty road car. With the support of Weslake Engineering, Ford developed a sharper, more powerful version—and sent the Capri where true performance had to be proven: to the big, demanding race tracks like Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring.

🏁 Spa-Francorchamps – Speed and Courage

On the legendary high-speed Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which at the time was over 14 kilometers long and extremely dangerous, the Capri demonstrated its potential early on. The long straights and fast corners like Eau Rouge demanded engine power and stability—and this is exactly where the Weslake-modified V6 played to its strengths.

Fielded by the Ford Cologne Racing Team, the Capri battled against competitors with significantly larger engine displacements. Drivers like Dieter Glemser consistently kept the car among the leaders in its class. The Capri proved its reliability especially in endurance races at Spa—a decisive factor on this track that was brutal on machinery.

Even though the big overall victory was often still out of reach in those early years, class wins and strong finishes sent an important message: Ford had a competitive package.

🏁 Nürburgring – the Green Hell

Racing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife was even tougher than at Spa. With over 20 kilometers, countless corners, and extreme elevation changes, the Nordschleife placed the highest demands on drivers and technology.

Here, the Capri’s balance shone through: light, agile, and with ample power. Especially in the tight sections, it could play to its strengths against heavier vehicles.

In races as part of the European Touring Car Championship, the Capri with its Weslake engine achieved significant class victories. Drivers like Glemser used their track knowledge and the car’s drivability to work their way up the field over the distance.

The Nordschleife also served as a testing ground: weaknesses were mercilessly exposed here. The experience gained by Ford and the team was directly incorporated into further development.

🚀 The Turning Point

The races at Spa and the Nürburgring were more than just races—they were development under extreme conditions. Every lap provided data; every finish brought new insights.

This learning phase ultimately led to the next stage of evolution: the Ford Capri RS2600. With it, Ford achieved its major breakthrough starting in 1971, including overall victories on precisely the circuits where the Weslake Capri had previously laid the groundwork.

Drivers like Jochen Mass also built on this development, cementing the Capri’s status as a fixture in European touring car racing.

📜 Conclusion

The Capri MK1A with the Weslake engine was not a dominant series-killer—but it was a crucial trailblazer.
Its performances at Spa and the Nürburgring demonstrated:

    that Ford could hold its own against established competition

    that technology and drivability are crucial

    and that these experiences give rise to true winning cars

 Why the Weslake engine was so special! 
The secret wasn't a larger displacement, but rather 
-  Racing valves
-  Dual valve springs
-  Extreme cylinder head flow optimization
-  Race-spec fuel injection instead of a carburetor
-  High-RPM durability
-  Very light engine weight
-  Perfect tuning for touring car racing
-  Stable oil pressure during high lateral acceleration (dry-sump lubrication)