David Coulthard has led the tributes to Colin McRae, the former world rally
champion, who died in a helicopter crash yesterday.
McRae, 39, was confirmed today as one of four who perished in the crash, along
with his five-year-old son Johnny, and his friends, six-year-old Ben
Porcelli, of Lanark, and Graeme Duncan, 37, who lived in France.
The Squirrel aircraft came down in Jervis Wood near Lanark just after 4pm and
immediately burst into flames. Strathclyde police said the damage to the
helicopter was so bad that it could not immediately be determined how many
people were on board. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been called
in to investigate the cause of the crash.
Fellow Scot and Formula One driver Coulthard, who was due to partner McRae in
Team Scotland for the latest version of the Race of Champions at Wembley
Stadium in December, said: "He and Alison [McRae's wife] were good
friends and I cannot imagine either without the other.
"He was fearless, flamboyant, blindingly quick in the car.
"He was very down-to-earth, matter-of-fact that he was so good. He had
all the good Scottish traits.
"I competed in the Race of Champions with him because of my respect for
him. I remember him urging me on, telling to get the finger out for
Scotland.
"We had some great times and his passing is a terrible blow for the McRae
family and everyone who came in contact with him."
A statement issued on McRae's official website by his father, Jim, on behalf
of the family said: “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.”
First Minister Alex Salmond paid tribute, saying: “Colin McRae was an
outstanding Scottish sportsman of international stature and achievement.
“His death is a great tragedy, and my thoughts and condolences are with all
the families and friends bereaved by this terrible accident.”
David Richards, McRae's former boss at Subaru where he enjoyed much of his
rallying success, said his death was a terrible loss.
Speaking in the paddock at Spa before the Belgian Grand Prix, Richards said: "It's
been a really miserable night.
"We were flying across when I received a telephone call from Ari Vatanen
(1981 World Rally champion) asking whether I heard the news. He didn't tell
me until I landed. He said 'just carry on and I'll tell you when you land'.
It's unbelievable.
"Colin had a competitive spirit like I've never seen in any other
individual in my life that could say 'I can do anything'.
"I was talking to my son last night. When Colin was world champion Jamie
was 14, and he remembers getting on the back of a jet-ski with him, going
ski-ing with him. Anything like that Colin was up for it, and you could
throw any car at him in any recognised motorsport and he would do well.
"I remember when I put him in a Formula One car at Silverstone and how
great he was in that straightaway. It could have been a sports car, touring
car, Paris-Dakar, you name it. It's unusual to call somebody a legend, but
it's very appropriate for Colin."
Richards recalls occasions when he was tearing his hair out with McRae, but
knows it was his "have-a-go-instinct" that was also so endearing
and made him such a hit with fans.
"It was just trying to the maximum no matter what happened with Colin -
but some of the accidents he had!" added Richards.
"I always look back to Finland in 1993 when he must have rolled on three
separate occasions in the event. Every time we thought that was the end of
the story, only for him to knock the dents out of the car. By the third
accident I was knocking the dents out of the car with him!
"He was one of those people that had an extraordinary spirit that you
can't define or describe very easily."
It has been suggested if McRae had been less gung-ho he might have won more
than the one world title as he was runner-up on three other occasions and
third once.
But Richards replied: "That was his style, that was the special thing
about him. You would never want to take that away from him."
Naturally, as time progressed and with family in mind, Richards witnessed
McRae change into a more mellow character.
"I can remember the challenges I used to have trying to manage him in the
early stages," Richards said. "He was crashing every week and we
couldn't pay the bills. We couldn't keep up with the accidents.
"But I knew him more of late as great company and a great pal. I met him
at Goodwood the other day, and then I chatted to him on the phone only this
week. He had matured over the years to be a great guy."
Nicky Grist, McRae’s co-driver since 1997, said the whole of the rally world
was in shock.
“He was such a great character and will be sorely missed," Grist
said.
Speaking about his time with the former world champion, he added: “I have to
say they were the best times of my life. We used to drive to the max and
push everything to the absolute limit. But when it came to socialising we
had great fun also.”
Grist said about the death of his son and the other two passengers: “Johnny
adored his father and loved everything about cars. I am sure he was the new
rally driver for the McRae family.
“Colin was always regarded as being a bit of a risk-taker in cars, but when it
came to flying a helicopter he was a totally different man.
“The one thing he always told me, he said ’You don’t mess about with a
helicopter. They are bigger and better than I am and you have to drive them
as such.”’
A post-mortem examination will be carried out on the bodies with a formal
identification expected within the next few days. Police are preparing a
report for the procurator fiscal.
David Learmount, an aviation expert, said McRae was somebody who took safety
very seriously. “There’s no way at the moment you can know whether something
was wrong with him," Learmount said. “I don’t think the weather was bad
enough. He would have made a judgment about the weather, and I don’t think
he would have misjudged that.
“It’s pure speculation but my suspicion would be that something went wrong
with the helicopter.”
When i heard the news i thought he had died in a motorsport crash , what a loss , the world of motorsport will never be the same , REST IN PEACE COLIN AND JOHNNY YOU BOTH GONE TO A BETTER PLACE . Nearly a year later and i still cant get my head round it . He was the best there will every be .
mike dudson humphreys, cannock, staffordshire
colin. what a guy, will be sadly missed.
rob, pontypridd, south wales
Colin was both a sportsman, a gentleman and a loving father. He will be sadly missed in this world but has gone to a far greater place.
May both Colin and Johnny rest in peace.
Condolences goes to the McRae family including the other two families.
Paula Hards, Newton Flotman, Norfolk
he was the ONLY reason I watched WRC, when he stopped competing, I stopped watching! Sie, Alexandria
simon jardine, alexandria, west dunbartonshire
totaly amazing driver will b sorley missed R I P colin and johnny mcrae may u go flat out in heaven
stuart, glasgow, scotland
What incredibly shocking, upsetting and sad news.......I woke up on sunday to watch the belgian F1 GP at my home in New York only to see the news of Colin's death on the F1website.
I'm from south Wales and an avid WRC fan. This guy had it all - he didn't have to be champion five times to show his true worth. What a phenomenal competitor and amazing talent.
My condolences to his family and loved ones. From an ocean away my thoughts are with you.
Andrew, Oceanside, New York, USA
So sorry for the Mcrae family, to lose such a man and his son at an early age is terrible. He was the main reason I watched rallying and he will be sorely missed. RIP Anne, Fordingbridge
Anne Macey, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
It`s a sad day for scotland, an iternational ambassador for Scotland, true professional and inspration to many. Much loved, gone but never forgotten. Will live on in the hearts and minds of the scottish people
Rob, Perth, Scotland
out thoughts are with colins family not forgetting johnny they will be sadly missed by all that knew them
tracey andy sibley west sussex
tracey sibley, worthing west sussex, england
The world has lost a very special person, I met Colin and Nicky Grist once during a rally and what very nice and courteus guys they were to all who met them. My thoughts go out to his family and my sincere condolences to the other families who also lost loved ones.
Freda McLay, Galashiels, Scotland
R.I.P Colin, you will be missed by all of your fans.
Ben Child, Isleworth, Middlesex, England
Just to say how terrible this is. Everyone will be thinking about Colin's wife and daugher and the rest of his family. A sad time indeed.
Ann, Lanark, Lanark.
i met colin a few times ,I use to be a rally marchal, and followed his career in motor sport. It is a sad loss.My thoughs are with his wife and family.
B monkman , hull, e,yorks
Such a sad loss. I admired Colin's gutsy driving and dogged determination which made him such a resounding success in the WRC.
Rest in Peace, Colin, with your dear son, who sadly passed with you. I hope your wife and daughter are comforted in time with the memories of you both.
God bless. xxxxx
Lynda Wilson, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Colin McRae was a fantastic driver and a pleasure to watch he will be missed by ALL rally fans.
Barrie, Stockton, Uk
I was'nt a rally fan, until I watch the skill and pannash of Colin McRae. The most entertaining Rally Driver ever in my oppinion,and a truly sad loss to motor sports as a hole.My heartfelt condolences go to his Family, Friends, and Relatives
family..
Terr-p, Bromley/kent, UK
.....read His autobiography got His videos etc etc. Coilin and Barry (Sheene) are my idols. They shared something absolutely unique. They'll never ever be forgotten. All our heartfelt thoughts to Ali, Jimmy and the rest of the special McRae family.
Ian Ackland and my family
Ian Ackland, Bampton, Devon, England
Just a short note to say RIP to those involved in this terrible accident, our prayers go out to the families.God bless you all...
steve hodge, basingstoke, UK
RIP Colin McRae my thoughts go out to all the family and friends he was the biggest inspiration and flew the flag for scotland in style xx
Sandy Mackie, Pittenweem, Fife, Scotland
As Christine said, a great countryman for the Scots to be proud of as well the UK. He was liked throughout the UK and the rest of this world and many of us are upset upon hearing of the crash. Condolences to the families of the other victims.
He was a joy to watch.
Talese Amer, Stonehouse,
An absolute legendary driver, and obviously a devoted family man. What more can you say?
RIP Colin, and condolences to the familes of Ben and Graeme
Nick Parissis, Melbourne , Australia
A great sportsman and a fantastic ambassador for Scotland. While I was never fortunate enough to see him drive in-person there will now be something missing in the world of motorsport where once there was Colin McRae. My sympathies to the familes and friends of all involved in this tragic accident.
Scott Millson, Toronto, Canada
Motorsport and Rallying in particular have lost a great great man. He provided so many people with so much hope and entertainment.
Sympathies to Alison, father Jimmy and the family.
This was most dreadful news.
Paul, Ipswich, Suffolk
This is a very sad day. Colin was an absolute icon and an example to many. His ability to drive quickly was extraordinary and he had a style all his own. Colin was a great character and will be missed by many people inside and outside of the rallying world. Sincere condolences to his family.
Steve Brooker, Hextable/Kent, U.K.
This is just typical of what happens to the greatest racing car drivers. Like Graham Hill, spent years driving fast cars and admired by all to lose their lives in aircraft accidents.
A sad loss to the motorsport world and to the McRae family.
My sympathies go out to them.
Graham Philip, Braintree, Essex
Colin McRae was the man that convinced me four wheels were as entertaining as four legs - much to the relief of my dad, a former rally driver himself, who was beginning to despair of his only child. I have many fond memories of my dad and I out on the stages in Wales cheering both McRae and that other great British driver, Richard Burns, along. Today's news is almost unbearably sad, made even worse by the death of two young children and another man. I cannot even begin to imagine what their families must be going through. My thoughts and sincerest condolences are with them.
Vicky, London, UK
colin mcrae was one of the greatest men to walk on this planet he has been an inspiration to me and i cannot believe he is dead i wish more than anything for im to be here and my heart goes out to his family he was an amazin person and millions of peopel wil miss him R.I.P colin mcrae
ben, barnsley, england
my heart goes out to his full family such a tragic loss his poor wife and daughter his parents friends to lose a child and husband does not bare thinking of also the other 2 another child and i believe a friend my heart goes out to there family at such a terrible time he will be sadley missed
linda white, cumnock, ayrshire
He was a great driver, never scared to have a go, R.I.P Colin & Johnny McRae
Robert Jones, Orkney, Scotland
The man was a legend and will be sorely missed
russell hannan, uxbridge, middlesex
Even though most of us don't like it and it doesn't happen too often, bad things happen to good people.
Prudence Reed, Miami, Florida
So yet another racing great is killed in a crash. After already losing the likes of Jim Clark, Jimmy Guthrie, James Dean and Steve Hislop in such a fashion, one can but hope Colin will be the last racing great to die in this way for a while.
Robert, Galashiels, Scotland
We have lost a Legend..........................
Faisal Nayani, Dar es salaam,
I met Colin McRae at Goodwood 2007, A true hero of the sport and great with us fans, He made time to chat and sign autographs, He will be missed.
Simon Pitts, Norwich, Norfolk
A huge loss - he lived by that " win it or bin it" attitude that only the best can ever claim to live with...! Lanark will be a town in mouring, as he was very close to and supported, his roots
neill, lanark,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Colin , johnny, Ben and Graemen. It has shaken us to the core. My husband an I are both Former rally drivers ourselves and have been both in tears this afternoon. We have 2 sons ourselves whom love motor sport too. All ourthoughts go out to Alison and Holly. Also to Jimmy and the family at this terrible time. We have just watched the news and their were lots of Scooby members taking flowers and photos to the scene. That felt great to see. We have placed a memorial in our own front garden. This may help us and others. We have lost one of the great ambassador for the sport and one of the best rally drivers the world has ever seen.
Theres good talent and brillient but Colin was both.
God bless you and your family in this time of need, we are all thinking about you and will never forget you.
Colin, Johnny, Ben and Graeme.
R.I.P Look after each other!!!!
Lisa Pinardi, Mirfield, UK
it,s so hard to believe a man like colin has gone ,quite possibly the greatest driver in the world ,ever ,what a character. the man was a living legend,it,s made worse that his son his and family friends died to,my best to thier families.
dave n, wset midlands, u.k
goodbye to a truely great racer, such sad news of the deaths of colin and his son and their friends. race easy. R.I.P from a family of race fans. rugby.
carole smith, rugby, warks, uk
colin the times we had in the early days with you and richard we wont forget now you can all rally together again our thoughts are with all the Mcrae family for the loss of both colin and little jimmy together forever. Ron & tina Hill surrey
Ron &tina Hill, Woking surrey, England
I would just like to say that I admired Colin McRae so much. He was a terrific rally driver, and he will not be forgotten. I remember reading in a book once that as long as someone is not forgotten, they will live forever. Such is the case with Colin. He will be in our hearts forever, and in the hearts of those after us. It is nice to know that, in spite of great tragedy and loss, that there's someone up there looking out for the rallyists and rally enthusiasts. I also would like to express my sympathy for Alison McRae, it is hard enough to lose a child or a husband, but both at once is one of the worst things that can happen in life.
Rose age 13, St. Louis, MO
Well as an hardned rally fan there was only one driver who came close to colin that was the late rally driver henri toivonen he had the same grit and speed,but in all i dont think anyone will leave a mark the way that colin as. People will still talk about him long after i have gone,such a ledgend in feel great sadness for him and his family.People say the English dont like the scots but this scot was loved by all the english,R.I.P. colin you where my hero.
Dave, wigan, lancs
My heart goes out to the McRae’s Alison holly jimmy, Margaret, and the other families involved I cannot comprehend what has happened I thought I was dreaming.
I met Colin many times over the years I got to know him as a distant mate the last time I saw him he would not let me buy around of drinks so I will always owe you that beer.
Cheers mate
R.I.P Col
richard buckworth herne soame, telford, shropshire
Hard to find the words. Colin brought so much joy and excitement over the years to all, especially those who followed his career. he will be very sadly missed. our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.
Rest in peace Colin
Steve Tattersall, Blackburn,Lancashire, England
A sad day for all. Hope Heaven has a rally for him to drive in.
Ed Sanders, Lancaster, USA, New Hampshire
Gutted. He was living icon, a hero and one of the finest drivers the world has ever seen. Such a tragedy, my condolances to the whole family, he will be missed, a great man.
jon stephenson, stoke on trent ,
I am devastated with Colins death and his dear son. What Alison and the rest of the Mcrae family are feeling right now is beyond comprehension. My thoughts are with all of them.
bruce and karen wallace, yeovil, somerset
I am shocked and saddened by the death of another great champion. Colin was an inspirational character. I always enjoyed watching him drive.
Bob Woods, Newcastle, NSW/Australia, NSW
He will be miss by all fans in all motorsport across the world.
Having a close family friend who raced with the McRae family we are all in shock of the news. Our hearts go out to the family.
K Murchison, Oban, Scotland
I am so very sorry for the Mcrae family, to lose Colin and Johnny in helicopter accident must be horrendous. Colin was a fantastic rally driver and the main reason I took such an avid interest in rallying. My thoughts go out to all the families who have suffered in this tragedy.
David Jones, Colne, Lancs., England
I was never one really into watching Rally racing. But it was something I did with my brother. McRae was one of the few drivers I enjoyed watching. This is a devastating event to the race world, regardless how into the sport you are,
Ashley, Henriette, NY
never thought i would be upset and sad at the death of someone ive never met , right now i have a tear in my eye at this sad news.i pass on my repects to the family at this sad time.
gordon adam, glasgow,
colin was a hero to us all , easily my favourite driver of all time. his character was unsurpassed, he bought pure excitement to rallying and never gave up. i remember him bashing up his subaru numerous times he would just get out of the car fix it as best he could and carry on ! typical stubborn strong willed scott ! i feel extremely sad to hear about the death of his boy johnny, we would have loved another mcrae behind the wheel kicking up the mud ! and i can easily say with those mcrae genes he would have been world champion too ! and not forgetting the other passengers who died a truly sad day
adam kelleher, birmingham/uk, west midlands
The world of sport has lost a great man.
R.I.P.
murdoch macleod, glasgow,
One memory that will never fade for me, is witnessing the breath taking sight of Colin McRae showing us Kiwis how to deal to our fast flowing country roads, an incredible sight, & an incredible person...RIP Colin & Johnny.
Andrew Lloyd, Auckland, New Zealand
i have to say that i am deeply sadden by the terrible event that happen to mr mcrae and his son my deepest feelings go to his wife and daughter and the rest of his family. i saw him a few weeks ago at goodwood and he came in our taxi firm from a restraunt and he was the nicest person you could wish to meet very pleasant man and he will be so missed by everyone that knows him and rememberd for all he done for the world of motor sport thankyou colin and god bless you both
tony knight, chichester west sussex, england
Colin McRae was a absolute genius behind the wheel.He will be sorely missed by all who enjoy any form of motorsport. My thoughts are with the McRae family.
Robert, Sudbury,Suffolk.
Robert, sudbury, suffolk
I remember Colin when he competed in Rally Australia. I had just bought my son the PC game Colin McRae Rally. When I told my son he was competing in Rally Oz, he instantly asked if we could go. So the family made the long trek to see his new hero.
As luck would have it, we met Colin and Nicky in the lifts of the Rally HQ, he took the time to talk with us and sign an autograph. Till this day we are still fans.
RIP Colin
Trevor Fisher & Family, Adelaide South Australia, Australia
Colin Mcrae, A great Scot, family man and ambassador for British Motorsport. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family. Not forgetting Johnny, who will be missed by all his pals and family. God bless you all.
Christine , KENDAL, CUMBRIA
I have no view as to the circumstances of Colin's accident, only that this is very, very sad news and a huge blow to the people of Scotland. I loved watching Colin drive and i still can't believe this happened..this is so awful..the only saving grace for his wife Alison, being perhaps that only one of his children took that journey with him. The pain Colin's family must be going through right now is unimaginable. My thoughts and heart goes out to them.
Karyn Da Costa, Aberdeen, Scotland
I first saw Colin McRae at the 2006 XGames where he stood out above all competitors in any event. Magnificent and charismatic.
So sorry to hear of his passing
Dorothy , Waterville, Vermont US
a dreadful loss to scottish motorsport and indeed world motorsport. having navigated for jimmy and being in colins presence in the past i feel so shocked as colin was always down to earth and had time for everyone.my thoughts are with all that were close especially family and all conected with them.i have lost close friends in motorsport but this is major. people die but ledgends live forever. r.i.p. make tracks in heaven.forever in our minds till its our time to join you.
ian park, glenrothes, scotland