Welsh WRC drivers scrum down with Rugby World Cup stars
Show of Welsh strength before the country's two biggest sporting events
McRae's title marked at Wales Rally GB
The 20th anniversary of Colin McRae being crowned as Britain’s first ever World Rally Champion driver will be celebrated at the season closing Wales Rally GB (12-15 November).
Two decades previously, on Wednesday 22 November, the Scot secured the title on Britain’s concluding round of the 1995 WRC season - beating his Subaru team-mate Carlos Sainz by just 36 seconds in a thrilling winner takes all finale.
The organisers of this year's rally will mark his achievement with a number of special displays and parades. Colin lost his life in a helicopter accident in 2007, but his father Jimmy McRae – himself a five time British Rally Champion – will be part of the celebrations.
Not only will Jimmy be providing the title-winning Subaru Impreza 555 from the family’s personal collection for public display at the service park in Deeside but he also will be rolling back the years by contesting the Network Q WRGB National Rally that shadows the main WRC event.
“That week down in Chester is still one of the highlights of our lives,” said Jimmy. “It was such a proud moment for us all. What could possibly be better than Colin winning the World Championship on home soil? It’s now hard to imagine that 20 years has passed since that amazing day but it’s very thoughtful that Wales Rally GB will be marking Colin’s greatest moment later this year."
Although Colin never claimed a second drivers' title, his style and commitment behind the wheel earned him millions of fans all over the world and he was the driving force behind a hat-trick of manufacturers’ titles for Subaru. He remains the sport’s youngest ever World Champion and his tally of 25 wins makes him Britain’s most successful rally driver.
“Colin McRae will forever be a true hero and not just to rally fans here in Britain,” said Ben Taylor, managing director of Wales Rally GB. “While obviously deeply saddened that Colin can’t be with us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his crowning success, we are honoured that Jimmy will be with us to mark his son’s remarkable achievements. British rallying owes a tremendous debt to the whole McRae family and hopefully we can repay a little of that come Wales Rally GB in November.”
While the championship winning Subaru will be on show in the Service Park throughout the event, owners of ex-Colin McRae rally cars are being invited to join special parades at venues such as Chirk Castle and the Great Orme. Further information can be found on the rally's Facebook page.
