Colin McRae - say the name and it conjures up mental images of a rally car; in all likelihood a blue Impreza emblazoned with 555 livery travelling very, very quickly. More than likely sideways and airborne, all at once too. These images will be the ones that stay with us forever whenever Colin's name is mentioned or rallying is the topic in question.
Colin McRae was the ultimate in terms of commitment, speed, guts, determination and raw talent. Born into a rallying family, young Colin quickly displayed an aptitude for motorsport, at first on two wheels, but then more famously, on four. Having won several domestic rally titles he took to the world stage and in 1995 fulfilled all of his potential by winning the World Rally Championship driver's title. He was the first Brit to do so and the youngest ever, too.
Three runners up positions in the WRC followed this success, but as often is the case the bare figures don't do justice to the man's abilities. Colin only knew one speed: flat out. This led to some spectacular wins, and more than a few spectacular crashes. The latter no doubt cost him several more titles and wins, but we doubt he would have had it any other way. It was always a foot-to-the-boards adrenaline filled ride. Watching Colin drive was always special.
He and Richard Burns - who also tragically died before his time - truly put rallying on the map in the UK. They elevated the sport to a new level in the social conscience making it more mainstream than it had ever been before. In recognition of his huge sporting achievements he was awarded an MBE in 1996. It could be argued, with some success, that Colin also sold many more Imprezas than Subaru's advertising ever did, the relatively little-known brand's humdrum saloon was elevated to cult status as a result of Colin's dramatic style and commitment behind the wheel. The video games that wore his name also sold by the million, ensuring his name and rallying are known to a generation around the entire globe.
Right until he lost his life in a helicopter accident Colin remained a big draw everywhere he went. He is probably the most famous rally driver in the world, despite being all but retired from the WRC. In the summer he entered the X-Games and took rallying to the USA and showed them the meaning of commitment, rolling the car before finishing second - the crowd went wild.
Colin had demonstrated his driving talent on other stages too, earning a podium finish at Le Mans in 2004 and racing with significant success on the Paris Dakar rally. He also demonstrated incredible speed in Formula One tests and other formulas he was offered guest drives in. But his heart was always with rallying and he had dedicated time to develop and launch his own rally car this year. Recently there had also been rumours that he may have been about to secure a full WRC drive next season. We can only dream now he has gone.
Equally tragic is the loss of Colin's five-year old son, Johnny, and two friends who were with Colin when the helicopter crashed. Colin's father, Jimmy McRae, himself a hugely successful rally driver, hinted that Johnny too appeared to have the talent to continue the family tradition. Sadly we'll never know. Rallying has lost a genuine hero, who will be missed hugely.
Our sincere condolences go to the McRae family and their friends.
RIP Colin. The legend himself may have passed but his legacy will live forever.
Dave Jenkins - 20 Sep 2007
