The 39-year-old Scot...
The 39-year-old Scot was killed when the helicopter he was piloting crashed close to his home in Lanarkshire, Scotland. His five-year-old son Johnny and two family friends also lost their lives in the accident, which is still being investigated.
Born the son of five-time British rally champ Jimmy McRae, Colin made history in 1995 by becoming the first Briton to win the World Rally Championship. He was also runner-up on three occasions, and his tally of 25 WRC victories was unrivalled at the time. But while his records are impressive, it was his attacking style that won him millions of admirers worldwide.
“He was the epitome of a racer; fearless, flamboyant and blindingly quick,” said fellow countryman David Coulthard, who was to have joined McRae in a two-pronged Scottish team for December’s Race of Champ÷ions at Wembley Stadium in London.
“He had a real ‘have-a-go’ instinct,” said David Richards, boss of the Subaru team with which McRae won his world crown. “It’s unusual to call somebody a legend, but it’s appropriate for Colin.” Others from all areas of motorsport have also been paying tributes.
“He was an inspiration to all. His extraordinary talent brought him success, while his uncompromising style made him a hero to fans every÷where,” stated Colin Hilton, chief executive of the UK’s racing governing body, the Motor Sports Association.
Meanwhile, MotoGP star Valentino Rossi dedicated his victory in Portugal on the same weekend to McRae’s memory. “He was one of my great idols when I was young,” said the seven-time motorcycle world champ.