Another marshal’s whistle blows across the Clumber Park greenery waiting for the famous number plate of L555BAT to appear. The unmistakable pop of the exhaust as the car slides effortlessly into view and then accelerates over one yump without lifting, then straight lining the next yump - regardless of the tarmac direction - flying further than the previous cars landing on two wheels with total disregard to the roll the car had been subjected to, before braking into a hairpin and accelerating out of view.
It was 1995; I had just passed my driving test, and was now witnessing the most exciting rally driving I had ever seen. From that moment on, like many, I vowed I would buy myself a Subaru Impreza the first instance I could afford one, such was the immense talent of Colin McRae, it made you want to drive like him.
That year Colin went on to perform a feat that no other British rally driver had done previous, and win the World Rally Championship. He was such a successful driver that he still has the fourth most rally wins, 25, ahead of Finnish greats Tommi Makinen, Juha Kankkunen and Hannu Mikkola. He also helped Subaru to the manufacturer’s championships in 1995, 1996 and 1997.
Anyone who saw Colin McRae perform at his place of work will always feel amazed how one man can have such control and bravery in a car. A man whom whichever discipline he was racing in gave his all, be it a Porsche Cup Car, a Paris Dakar Nissan, or a World Rally Car. PH will miss his flamboyant style and pass on our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Colin McRae – RIP: you will be missed.
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