Colin McRae feared to have died in a helicopter crash

LONDON (Reuters) - A small helicopter crashed, killing those on board, on Saturday near the home of former world rally champion Colin McRae, a helicopter pilot and enthusiast, police said.



They added in a statement that four people were on board the helicopter owned by McRae, which came down in a wooded area in Lanarkshire, Scotland at about 4:10 p.m.

"It's believed he (McRae) was on board the helicopter, however until formal identification has taken place we will not be able to confirm the identities of those on board."
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Police, who were at the scene conducting a thorough search of the area, said further details about the victims would be released on Sunday.

Air Accident Investigators will carry out a full investigation into the cause of the crash.

McRrae, 39, the son of five-times rally champion Jimmy, wrote his name in the record books in 1995 when he became the first Briton to win the world rally championship.

Read the full story: http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKL1570955620070916

Colin McRae to sit-in for injured Loeb in this weekend's Rally of Turkey

McRae in for Loeb

Former Citroen driver Colin McRae has been confirmed as replacement for Sebastien Loeb at the Kronos Total Citroen team for Rally of Turkey. McRae will assume the role of number one driver as the team aims for the manufacturer's championship.



Team boss Marc Van Dalen and Citroen's Guy Frequelin spent considerable time assessing the best options for the team, targeting both the manufacturers and drivers race. According to a team statement, McRae is in complete understanding regarding his role within the team. He has pledged to put maximum effort behind the team's aims.

He will be partnered by regular co-driver Nicky Grist. McRae drove for Citroen in 2003 and so is familiar with the Xsara WRC, if not the team which will be running it.

-WRC.com

Colin McRae's Concept Rally Car

With rising concern over the ever increasing costs of competing in rallying Colin McRae has decided to design and build his own rally car to try and address this problem.This unique car is designed for durability as well as performance. It will not require an army of engineers to work on the car during events and will be capable of very high mileages between rebuilds.

Tom Webster and Keith Burden who have both been involved with the Colin McRae Rally game have designed the body styling using computer generated images. Newark based engineering company DJM Ltd who built Colin's Mk 2 Ford Escort are building the 2.5-litre engine driven 4-w-d prototype with conventional mechanical transmission. For the past six months Colin has used his engineering skills to help with the development of this car, which he hopes to start testing later this summer."I hope the shake down goes well and we can then plan a serious gravel test programme.

The car should be available to the public during 2007 and the target is to ensure that the running costs of the car will be less than a Group N car and capable of winning a National Rally, "said Colin McRae.

Colin McRae will join the Pirelli National Rally

Colin McRae, World Rally Champion in 1995 and two-time British Rally Champion, has signed up for the inaugural BRC Rallymasters series for an attack on the Carlisle-based Pirelli National Rally on Saturday May 13th.

McRae, famous the world over for his rallying achievements, will be joined on the event by co-driver Nicky Grist and will campaign his DJM / Colin McRae designed MkII Escort, powered by a 2.5 litre Millington engine.

"It's going to be good to get back into action on the Pirelli and be part of the BRC Rallymasters," says McRae. "The Pirelli National Rally is a fantastic event, and I'm looking forward to taking on the infamous Kielder Stages as part of Rallymasters. It looks like a good concept and represents great value for money.
Colin McRae, World Rally Champion in 1995 and two-time British Rally Champion, has signed up for the inaugural BRC Rallymasters series for an attack on the Carlisle-based Pirelli National Rally on Saturday May 13th.

McRae, famous the world over for his rallying achievements, will be joined on the event by co-driver Nicky Grist and will campaign his DJM / Colin McRae designed MkII Escort, powered by a 2.5 litre Millington engine.

"It's going to be good to get back into action on the Pirelli and be part of the BRC Rallymasters," says McRae. "The Pirelli National Rally is a fantastic event, and I'm looking forward to taking on the infamous Kielder Stages as part of Rallymasters. It looks like a good concept and represents great value for money.