McRae challenge building up to be major celebration

THE McRAE Rally Challenge at Knockhill is shaping up to be one of the biggest rally themed events in Scotland, if not the UK.

Originally designed to be a celebration of Colin McRae’s world rally championship title win 20 years ago, the idea has gained momentum over recent months, with rally fans and motoring enthusiasts the length and breadth of the UK getting excited by the prospect of the May 16 and 17 festival.

A highlight will be the largest gathering of Colin’s competition cars ever seen in Scotland, ranging from his original Mini andTalbot Sunbeam to the Subaru Impreza that carried him and Derek Ringer to world victory in 1995.

Over the years enthusiasts have snapped up McRae competition cars as mementoes of their hero, many of them locked away from public view, until now.

“Since we went public on this event, we have been approached by a number of these fans to supply ex-McRae cars for the gathering,” said Knockhill’s events director Stuart Gray.

“Support from the general public has been amazing too.

“The idea of a 20th anniversary commemorative event just seems to have struck a chord with the fans but it has also given us the opportunity to create a major event for Scotland.”

Colin’s father Jimmy McRae, who is working on having some rallying greats make an appearance, added: “The fans’ desire to celebrate Colin’s achievements is overwhelming at times.”

One star name already committed to the event is Alister McRae, Colin’s younger brother and former British Rally Champion as well as FIA Asia-Pacif ic Rally Champion, who now lives in Australia.

“There’s no way I’m going to miss this,” said Alister.

“I’ll be coming ‘home’for that weekend. I have no idea what I’ll be driving when I get there but, whatever it is, it will be fun that’s for sure. ”

Left: Alister McRae. Right: Colin McRae, right, celebrates his world championship win in 1995 with co-driver Derek Ringer.