MCRAE SR SET FOR RALLY GB OUTING

Jimmy to run Vauxhall Magnum 40 years after first RAC in same car

Jimmy Mcrae will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his first attempt at the Lombard RAC Rally by contesting the national section of this year’s Wales Rally GB.

In November 1976, Mcrae finished 12th in Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship in a Vauxhall Magnum and will drive the same model of car at the end of October.

Five-time British Rally champion Mcrae will celebrate his 73rd birthday on Friday October 28, the first full day of the rally, in the car from Mix Motorsport. The 1976 Lombard RAC Rally was Mcrae’s first entry on a World Rally Championship round. He started as car 42 and finished 12th, co-driven by Ian Muir.

“It’s great to be getting back out there again, especially with it being the anniversary of the first time I did the RAC. Things have changed a wee bit since 1976, back then I think we drove through two nights without stopping. I don’t think we’ll be doing that this time,” said Mcrae.

“I’ve had some great memories of both the RAC and driving a Magnum. I remember finishing 12th, which I was pretty chuffed with for my first attempt. We had a great battle with Bror Danielsson and eventually finished second to him in Group 1. It’s great to have the chance to be back out there doing it again and I’m very grateful to everybody who has helped put this deal together.”

Mcrae will be guest editor of MN’S Dayinsure Wales Rally GB preview on October 26.