My memory goes back to 1988. The Cartel Rally in North Yorkshire. It was, I believe the first rally of the British Open Championship. The front runner's were Pentti Airikkala in a Mistubishi Starion and David Llewellin in an ex works Audi 200 Quattro. They were both expected to set the pace. My two mates and me had followed the rally for as many stages as possible, through the forests of Cropton and Dalby. As the rally came to a head, we made for the last stage, held at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough. We watched the leading cars go through, then decided to make our way to the hairpin lower down the stage. So glad we did, too. Just as we got there, a white Vauxhall Nova came down the hill, full blast. The driver tugged on the handbrake, the car enters the hairpin backwards and somehow makes the turn and carries on. I can see it now. And the driver behind the wheel?
A young chap called Colin McRae, co-driven by Derek Ringer. Even back then, McRae's commitment was with out doubt. Glad to have been there and witnessed it. A true honour.
Simon Lucas
Memory added on August 19, 2013
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