Constant speed, in more ways than one…

Averaging more than 60 miles per hour through dense forest dirt tracks is no mean feat but for part-time rally driver and full-time businessman Nick Elliott, it’s all in a day’s work.

Nick Elliott, the MD of Elliotts (Cheltenham), regularly hits the throttle in RAC British Rally Championship contests in his Ford Escort MK 2 RS 1800.

Built from new six months ago, off the original 1980s bodyshell, Nick has already won four races with his new car in this year’s competition.

Nick said: “I’ve always been interested and involved with cars and I’m very mechanically minded.

“Over the 30 years I’ve been rallying I’ve claimed a number of different titles within the historic section and even won outright over the modern cars.

“This 2017 season has been one of the most successful for myself and co-driver, Dave Price.”

A passion for engineering extends to the operation of the business and, as the head of the third-generation family-owned company – which is based in Bishops Cleeve – he plays a key role in the specification of plant.

Nick has been working with Finlay Central – part of the Finlay Group of companies – for more than 20 years and in that time he has purchased 12 Terex Finlay machines, chosen for their high engineering, durability and service support.

The most recent purchase is a Terex Finlay J-1170 jaw crusher featuring a Scania DC9 constant speed engine designed to work without the need for ad-blue exhaust after treatment.

The J-1170 is equally at home crushing limestone in the quarry or demolition material in the recycling yard, and the increase in production means the crusher can switch between two sites and still maintain material stock levels to keep up with customer demand.

It’s the third Terex Finlay machine bought by Elliotts this year, joining a 683 Supertrak screener and a 595 mobile scalping unit.

Finlay Central is sponsoring Nick and the Ford Escort MK 2 RS 1800, with decals on the sides and back of the vehicle highlighting the partnership.

Neil Bailey, Sales Director at Finlay Central said: “I’ve always loved the MK 2 Escorts and RS 2000’s as I’d grown up with them as a kid.

“Nick is a man who appreciates constant speed and the uniform power of the J-1170 jaw crusher is a big plus point for his business.

“I’m really pleased to be supporting Nick in both his business and his racing career and I hope to continue this relationship for many more years to come.”

Elliotts – which operates across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and the Cotswolds – offers plant and skip hire as well as the supply of aggregates to the construction industry and general public.