Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and today, we take a somber look at the tragic event that shook the world of motorsport on September 15, 2007. On this day, legendary Scottish rally driver Colin McRae and three others, including his young son, lost their lives in a helicopter crash near McRae’s hometown of Lanark.
Colin McRae wasn’t just a rally driver—he was a pioneer, a national hero, and a man whose fearless driving style captured the hearts of motorsport fans across the globe. Born in Lanark, Scotland, on August 5, 1968, Colin McRae was destined for greatness in the world of motorsport. His father, Jimmy McRae, was a five-time British Rally Champion, and the younger McRae followed closely in his footsteps, but with a determination to carve out his own legacy. It wasn’t long before he would surpass even his father’s accomplishments.
In 1991 and 1992, Colin McRae secured back-to-back British Rally Championship titles, and in 1995, at just 27 years old, he achieved the ultimate dream by winning the World Rally Championship (WRC). In doing so, he became the first British driver to win the WRC and, at the time, the youngest-ever World Champion—a record that stood for nearly three decades. His aggressive and bold driving style, often on the edge of disaster, made him a fan favorite, but it was also this style that earned him victories in some of the toughest rallies in the world.
McRae was synonymous with the Subaru World Rally Team, with whom he helped secure three consecutive Manufacturers' titles from 1995 to 1997. During his time with Subaru, McRae's blue and gold Subaru Impreza became an iconic image in rallying, and he won a total of 25 WRC events throughout his career. His fearless attitude and never-give-up spirit often led to dramatic comebacks and unforgettable moments on the world stage.
After his time with Subaru, McRae moved to Ford, where he continued to be a force in the sport. He later joined Citroën, playing a crucial role in helping them win their first Manufacturers’ title. Throughout his career, McRae never strayed far from his Scottish roots, frequently returning home between races to spend time with his family in Lanarkshire.
In 1996, Colin McRae was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to motorsport, a testament to his impact on the sport not only in Scotland but around the world. His contributions to rallying went beyond just winning races—he became an ambassador for the sport, inspiring a new generation of drivers, including his brother Alister McRae, who also enjoyed a successful rally career.
But McRae’s influence wasn’t limited to the track. He became a household name through the highly successful Colin McRae Rally video game series, which introduced rallying to a global audience, further cementing his legacy.
On that tragic day in September 2007, McRae was piloting his own Eurocopter AS350 helicopter when it crashed near his home. Alongside him were his five-year-old son Johnny, and two family friends, Graeme Duncan and six-year-old Ben Porcelli. The accident sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, and tributes poured in from around the world.
The cause of the crash was later investigated by the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), and while the exact reason was never definitively determined, the report suggested that McRae had attempted a low-level maneuver that may have gone wrong. It was a tragic end for a man who had always lived life on the edge, both on and off the rally stages.
In the aftermath, memorials were held in his honor, with thousands attending his funeral in Glasgow. His widow, Alison, and daughter, Hollie, were left to carry on without their beloved husband and father. McRae's untimely death left a deep void in the world of rallying and Scottish sport.
Despite his tragic passing, Colin McRae's legacy endures. The Colin McRae Forest Stages rally, held annually in Perth, Scotland, celebrates his life and contributions to motorsport, while his iconic number 555 Subaru Impreza remains a symbol of his greatness.
In 2008, Colin McRae was posthumously inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition for a man who redefined what it meant to be a champion.
Thank you for joining us on This Day in Scottish History. We remember Colin McRae not only for his incredible achievements but also for the joy, excitement, and inspiration he brought to millions around the world. I’m Colin MacDonald. Haste ye back!
September 15, 2007 - The Tragic Day We Lost a Scottish Sports Icon