Tribute to a champion

Motorsport fans will have their chance to pay tribute to Colin McRae at Autosport International’s dedicated display honouring the 1995 World Rally Champion this weekend.

This year’s WRC stand will be a selection of the national hero’s former cars, including the original Talbot Sunbeam in which he started his rallying career in 1986.

Colin’s father, Jimmy McRae, helped organisers select and source the cars and says the public outpour of support has been a comfort to the family after Colin’s tragic death, along with his son and two family friends, in a helicopter accident last year.

“I don’t think even Colin knew how popular he was,” the former five-time British Rally Champion told Autosport International Radio. “It’s a help for the family to know that there are so many people out there thinking of us.”

Other cars to be featured on the Colin McRae stand include his World Championship-winning 1995 Subaru Impreza, the 1999 Safari Ford Focus in which he took his first win for Ford and the Ford Escort Mk2.

“Colin’s death was a great loss for motorsport,” said ASI Event Presenter Ian France. “He was a regular to the show and always had time for his fans. He was a real ambassador for the sport and it is only fitting that we put together something to show our respect for such a popular and successful individual.”

Autosport International will be open to the public on Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 January 2008 with trade days on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 January. Adult tickets start at £28.00 per day with children’s tickets costing £18.50. To book, visit autosport-international.com or call 0044 (0)870 040 0396.