As you are almost certainly aware by now, Colin McRae was tragically killed in the pilot's seat of his helicopter, in an accident yesterday at his home in Lanarkshire. Devastatingly, his 5 year old son was also on board, along with another child and another adult, who have, at time of press, not been named.

His wife, and 9 year old daughter, were not on board, and our heart felt condolences go to them, Alistair, Jimmy, and the rest of his family and friends today.

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Having personally witnessed Colin's flying a few times, I can tell you that he handled the helicopter with the natural ease and brilliance that he did a Car, or motorbike. But added to that, he was a safe, calculating and restrained pilot. My guess is that the accident would have been caused by a mechanical problem.

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Colin McRae was the reason I :

a) got heavily into rallying in the first place.
b) bought my first Subaru, and
c) subsequently ran ScoobyNet
d) personally came to be earning a good part of my living in WRC

He is one of the absolute key reasons that many of us like Subarus, and those who simply love the marque (and not because of Colin), probably would not have, if it hadn't been for him creating the phenomenal success of the Legacy and then Impreza.

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His flamboyant style was a double edged sword. He was FANTASTIC to watch, but when you're going that fast, you're going to have the odd hickup. Consequently, he was regarded by many as reckless. I can tell you now, this wasn't the case.

He was just an unstoppable competitor. He had self belief, and so much NEED to compete, and to be the best, that he just didn't bloody slow down! He just kept changing up through the gears!

As a driver, to watch the in-car footage of his mastery was both an education, and an exercise in complete and total demoralization. He had no idea how he was able to make a car do what he could, let alone anyone else working it out!

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There are many things that will stick in people's minds about Colin, and I couldn't possibly count them myself, but for me, the true spirit of Colin was in the times when we would be watching the results, always so many of the people working in WRC would want Colin to do well - he was always the people's champion. He'd be trailing by 10 seconds, and struggling to make any ground on whoever was leading. But then you'd watch the live split times coming in and, out of nowhere, he'd be flying.. taking imaginably huge chunks of time out of everyone, on a single stage - to take the lead by a seemingly impossible turn of speed. He'd "have his head on", and at times like that there was no stopping him.

What he did on those occasions has still not been matched to this day. He was the fastest man on earth, and the stories and hard evidence to back that up are limitless.

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Colin, thank you for everything. You've been a personal inspiration, and a hero to so many of us. You've left an outrageously enviable legacy (if you excuse the pun), and your impact on British motorsport will live on for years to come.

Our deepest respect and thoughts are with Colin's family.

Simon, and ScoobyNet.

 

Everyone.

We will - as a community - do something very special. Please leave your suggestions.

 

Well said Simon.

Could we get many Scoobys to line the route of his funeral, maybe??

I met him just about 10 weeks ago at GoodWood - he was willing to spend time with anyone who wanted to shake his hand and ask for his autograph.

Sad day for everyone who loves Rallying and Subaru's.

 

R I P Colin and his little lad

Very sad day

 

For a start

I have requested that certainly the SIDC Stand at RallyDay next Saturday all Cars will be marked with Black Ribbons. I have also contacted the other Impreza Stands suggesting they do the same

I have contacted Rallyday Organisers to ensure we take an active part in any commemoration to this great man

 

R I P LEGAND

 

He'll forever live on as the legend he always was.

I suggest a grand gathering somewhere central to everyone and include Subaru, Prodrive and all other rally teams. A complete show that is based fully around Colin and the rallying world. He made it what it is and this should be on show to Subaru drivers, rally spectators(from not JUST Subaru) and ANYONE who wishes to go. A show that should be advertised not just on these forums but anywhere....Top Gear, Evo magazine, adverts on TV??

It may be a bit hard to get everyone needed involved, but i feel he's worth it.

Long live the legend.

 

Absolutely devastating news

Thoughts and deepest condolences go to his family.

 

The world has lost a great man...and legend!
deepest thoughts to the families
r.i.p colin

 

Perfect words Simon.

RIP Colin

 

Heard first thing this morning. Absolutely unbelievable. He was the king of rallying.

 

Im sure most on here would make a effort to attend. I know I would.

Very nice words Simon


Chris

 

RIP Colin, you will be sorely missed

THoughts and best wishes to his family & friends

 

RIP Colin

Thoughts are with his family and friends

 

Simon, your tribute to Colin was second to none. Thank you.

What an amazing man he was


RIP and my thoughts are with his family.

 

thoughts are with the families of all involved, a sad loss of 4 people, 2 of them only 6 years old ! What a waste

RIP

 

R.I.P Colin

 

we have lost a fellow motor nut and a real legend a very sad day. really great to see scoobynet united like this shows how much he will be missed just so glad that I had the chance to see him in action at rally GB in the past six years of going

RIP

 

R.I.P Colin, his son, and the others involved,

As has been said before, only the good die young

 

He brought Subaru Impreza to many peoples attention and made me want 1 and has made Subaru a houshold name.

R.I.P.

 

a master at work
all our thoughts are with the family
mick gill and family

 

Beautifully put Simon.

My thoughts are with everyone left behind.

The McRae stages are only a few weeks away. If they go ahead, that could be good venue for a memorial (and there will no doubt be one anyway from the local rallying fraternity)

Steve

 

A sad day indeed. As for a tribute to Colin, how about some kind of tribute day at Prodrive. If I recall a similar thing was done for Richard Burns.

 

Sad Sad day ....

Thoughts and wishes with all families affected by this sad loss

The new North Yorkshire Subaru Owners Club are meeting tonight for a coffee at Squires at Sherburn in Elmet nr Leeds from 6pm.. all welcome

I have Black ribbons on my Spoiler....

 

A sad loss.

I think the funeral should be left as a private afair but the the community should organise a Subaru drive in his honour.

Would also be nice to see Subaru issue a McRae edition.

 

The world of motorsport has definitely lost one it's greatest characters. The first world rally car I ever saw driven in anger was the Subaru with Colin McRae at the helm in the forests of Wales back in the nineties, I was hooked instantly and have seen him many, many times since and he was always an absolute pleasure to watch no matter what make of car he was driving.

All my thoughts are with his family and friends, I can't even begin to imagine how they're feeling

 

R.I.P. - A legend the like of which this country does not often see, a man who has touched millions with his unique gift...... a special blend of humility and popularity mixed with genius on and off the world wide stage......

My thoughts go out to his family and the family of those involved, a sad day for motorsport................

 

A true legend and thoroughly nice guy, the world of motorsport will be all the more poorer for losing one of it's true superstars. Our thoughts go out to his family in this time of need.

R.I.P Colin McRae 1968-2007

 

what more can be said, legend ect

thoughts go to his family, & to that of the other two persons who were also taken

a good tribute should be some sort of meet, to which a minute or so of silence should be held in respect

 

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Absolutley devastated.