Racing Legends - BBC2

[Brad Zarse]

Firstly - I really enjoyed the programme.  As a historical document it was interesting (although did miss some weird stuff out - like the Skoda and Citroen drives previously mentioned) but it came across as un-biased - as previously mentioned, the AAIB findings being critical in maintaining the integrity of the programme.  

Some of the stuff within the programme suggested to me, that the family very much accepted that McRae was a reckless individual.  You get the impression that those he left behind have (as is completely to be expected) some pretty serious demons with regards to McRae's life, and the circumstances surrounding his death, and the death of his son - which is perhaps the bigger tragedy of the two.

McRae was another one of my Heros, who once sat alongside the likes of Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Ayrton Senna, and Richard Burns in my mind.  This programme bizarrely altered my view slightly - perhaps I'm just a bit more grown up now (believe it or not) - I simply can't get it out of my head, that he flew a helicopter recklessly, with his 5 year old son in it.  A rally car at 12/10ths - absolutely - but a Helicopter?  With your son in it.  It makes my heart sink.  

I'll never forget the RAC Rally special stages at Silverstone - The draw brought him onto the start line against Tommi Makkinen - the DREAM race - it was fast, spectacular, and when he won the stage, the place went mad....It was a wonderful event on a great day - but nowadays, I can't "un-associate" it, with the recklessness that lost McRae not only 3 other WRC Titles.  But ultimately his own life, and the life of others.    

FTR - I quite liked Chris Hoys contribution.....  

[Jules G]

Well I thought it was a good balanced program with some excellent footage of the old school rally days.

Jimmy is a great bloke, he was in attendance at Chester Race course a few years ago when the Subaru owners handed over a large cheque to Jimmy for the Colin McRae foundation. Whilst an emotional day for him, especially with footage been played on a loop of Colin careerer on the race course screens he had time to speak to everybody and you could tell he was as any father is,  proud of Colin's achievements.

As a footnote, the year Colin signed his first professional contract with Prodrive in 1991, I competed in first first pro rally, the Talkland International. Proud to say that I signed onto the event and also scrutineering at the same time as Colin and Derek Ringer and then followed his wheel tracks through the North Yorkshire forests

Photo of me in my Nova Sport below taken in Dalby Forest during the 1991 event

 [img][/img]

 

[Nordic]

Err, no.

Worst thing is he lives not too from me rather than back in his native Yorkshire.

Reminds me of another Yorkshireman I also know.

Its was mentioned to me that James Martin is driving an Aston Martin at le man's this year. Not clear if it is in the historic event or the main event.

Can't  be true surely!

[JDS]

Classic or otherwise if he's there lets hope he drives better and is a bit less of a twat than he was in the Mille Miglia .... 

[Martini...LB]

Classic or otherwise if he's there lets hope he drives better and is a bit less of a twat than he was in the Mille Miglia .... 

But, Saturday mornings would not be the same without him...

>Martini...LB

[Nordic]

No mention of Martin at the launch but young senna returns to le man's as a works Aston driver.


http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/105434