Subaru Says Goodbye To Rally Superstar McRae

Topics:  Colin McRae

Anthony Fontanelle
September 20, 2007

"We are saddened that former Subaru world champion rally driver Colin McRae and his son Johnny have died following a helicopter crash in Lanarkshire, Scotland," says Subaru on their website.

The man who is behind the success of Subaru in the World Rally Championship is now dead but his Legacy will live on. Colin McRae who in the past others think is a virtual racer due to the popularity of his Dirt racing game passed away last Saturday, September 15 after their Squirrel helicopter crashed. Along with the rally superstar and his son was Johnny's friend six-year old Ben Porcelli and Colin's lifelong friend Greame Duncan.

Colin McRae will always be remembered perhaps for his aggressive driving style. He drives like he is immortal and his car is invincible. Many claim that McRae single-handedly made the World Rally Championship a household name. At age 27, his give-it-all-you-got driving style earned him the title of being the first British World Rally champion.

The Subaru World Rally Team managing director Richard Taylor has this to say about the late driving great: "All of us at the Subaru World Rally Team are shocked and upset by the tragic news of Colin McRae's death, which was announced on Sunday." Taylor also pointed out that McRae is not only the first British World rally Champion but is also the first Subaru rally driver to win a championship.

"Colin was Subaru's first World Champion and a man who almost single-handedly brought the sport of rallying to the attention of millions around the world. He was an inspiration to motorsport fans and remained a close friend to many of us in the team," he proclaimed. Taylor also extended his condolences to Colin's wife Alison and the rest of the McRae family. "At this terribly sad time our thoughts are with his wife, Alison, and the rest of Colin's family."

Subaru has been known for equipping their WRC drivers with reliable cars and parts such as Subaru control arms. And Colin McRae used his Good-given talent with the world-class Subaru cars to reach the summit of the sport.

David Richards, the owner of the team McRae which won the championship in 1995, praised the legendary driver saying: "Colin was an amazingly talented driver. He had a passion and commitment for the sport which I have rarely seen in anyone else. You knew that whenever he got behind the wheel of a car that he would extract every ounce of its performance. And it was this all or nothing approach to driving that won him so many fans."

"Despite his success he always remained a very approachable person, someone who would always take time to talk to his fans and who continued to support the sport which brought him his fame."

"On a personal note he was also great friend. I have known him for more than 20 years since he was a teenager, sitting in the service park watching his father Jimmy compete in one of our Porsche rally cars. While it is a very sad day for motorsport, we should remember that Colin was a family man and I know I can speak for everyone at Prodrive and Subaru when I say that all our thoughts are with his wife and family at this very sad time," he shared.

Source:  Amazines.com