Alister leads McRae Rally Challenge 16 | 05 | 2015
ALISTER McRAE LED the field at the end of the opening day of the Colin McRae Rally Challenge at Knockhill. The two-day, 30-mile event organised by the Coltness Car Club and Knockhill — and being held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of brother Colin's World Rally Championship, — also saw the appearance of Argentine Rally winner Kris Meeke.
The Northern Irishman (pictured in action today at Knockhill), who was mentored by McRae at his Lanark home in 2002/03, drove Colin's 2003 Citroen Xsara World Rally Car at the Fife circuit.
Meeke, behind the wheel of the WRC Citroen Xsara in McRae colours, impressively blazed his way through the opening stage with showmanship very much part of his game plan, completing donuts midway through the stage for gathered fans.
“I’ve very grateful to Citroen for allowing me to use this car," he said. "It’s an important model and resides permanently in the Citroen museum. So with that in mind, this weekend is very much about having fun and paying tribute to Colin.
“As everyone knows, he played a vital role in my rally career, and it’s safe to say that l wouldn’t be where l am today without him.
Related: Meeke to lead McRae salute
“Driving this car on that opening stage, on this very special day was amazing. l’m here for some fun but that car is… proper. It's proper bit of kit.”
Driving a Proton Satria car similar to the won in which he won the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship four years ago, Alister McRae ended the opening day with a six-second lead over five-time Scottish Rally Champion David Bogie in his Ford Fiesta R5. Third place was held by rising Cumbrian star, Aaron Newby in a Subaru Impreza.
“It’s so good to see so many people here in such a variety of cars for this very special event," McRae said, "but the main thing is the spectators. Even during that heavy rain and hail shower they were standing out there cheering us on.”
Dumfries rally ace Bogie was equally complimentary about the event and the crowd: “This is just such good fun. It’s not so much about the competition, it’s just about being here and taking part.”
The opening day of the event also saw some iconic cars take to the track; including special Group B machinery, Ford and Subaru Owners’ Club cars, Terry Grant stunt shows and of course a priceless collection of Colin’s own cars – lead by the Subaru Impreza McRae powered to the World title 20 years ago.
Colin McRae Rally Challenge — Overnight positions (After 5 of 10 stages):
1. Alister McRae / Craig Ritchie, Proton Satria, 16 minutes 34 seconds
;
2. David Bogie / Scott Erskine, Ford Fiesta R5+, 16:40
;
3. Aaron Newby / Paula Swinscoe, Subaru Impreza, 16:45
;
4. John Paterson / Craig Wallace, Ford Escort II, 17:05
;
5. Gary Adam / Gordon Adam, Ford Escort, 17:14
;
6. John Rintoul / Ross Hynd, Hyundai Accent WRC, 17:19
;
7. Quintin Milne / Stephen O’Hanlon, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9, 17:29;
8. Ian Paterson / Helen Brown, Subaru Impreza N10, 17:32;
9. John MacCrone / Alasdair MacCrone, Ford Fiesta R5, 17:34
;
10. Alan Kirkaldy / Garry Muir, Ford Escort, 17:35.
Photo by Eddie Kelly
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Jim McGill