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 on Saturday, September 15. McRae won the WRC driver's title in 1995, was championship runner-up in 1996, 1997 and 2001, and third in 1998. He helped Subaru win the Manufacturer's title in 1995, 1996 and 1997. McRae's most recent involvement with Subaru was at the 2007 X Games in Los Angeles this past August which followed his silver medal win in 2006. McRae is remembered for his flamboyant personality and dramatic driving style.
As part of Subaru Rally Team USA’s rally effort for the past two summer X Games, McRae not only brought a wealth of experience and talent, he quickly became a friend of the team through his casual and approachable demeanor which belied his very focused approach to rallying. To many on the team, having an opportunity to work with Colin McRae represented very much a dream realized.
"It was an honor to call him my friend, and I will never forget how it felt to be in his presence," said Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block, teammate of McRae at X Games. "He was the biggest inspiration in rally for me and always will be."
Please click here http://www.colinmcrae.com/post_condolence.asp if you wish to leave condolences for the McRae family or go to http://www.colinmcrae.com.
Sunday 16th September 2007
STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF COLIN McRAE’S FAMILY
Speaking on behalf of the whole family, Colin’s father, Jim McRae, said today:
“It is with much sadness and regret that we have to make this statement.
It is unbelievable that Colin and Johnny’s lives have been taken so prematurely and in such a tragic manner.
Colin was a great son, a loving husband to Alison and a fantastic father to Johnny and his big sister Hollie. Johnny was a great wee guy, spending every spare minute with his dad, and even at this early stage it looked like he had the potential to carry on the family dynasty.
Our thoughts are also very much with the families of Ben Porcelli and Graeme Duncan. Ben was a great buddy of Johnny’s and they had always spent a lot of time together both in and out of school. Graeme, who now resides in France, had been a close friend of Colin’s since their schooldays and was back in Lanark on holiday.
We are thankful for the overwhelming number of messages of support we have received from all around the world. Colin was very much an inspiration and role model to motorsport fans the world over.
As you can imagine this is a very difficult time for the family and we would ask that our privacy be respected and we be allowed to grieve in private.”
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