Colin McRae service of celebration

Following the tragic death of Colin McRae, his son Johnny and two friends, the McRae-family has made arrangements for a service of celebration for fans and friends.

Funeral
The family would ask that their privacy be respected with regard to the funeral and that they are allowed to grieve in private at this stage.

As you will see below there will be an opportunity for all those who wish to pay their respects to do so at the Service of Celebration for the lives of Colin and Johnny.

Service of Celebration
Arrangements have now been put in place regarding the Service of Celebration for the lives of Colin and Johnny.

Location: High Street, Lanark.

Date: Sunday 30th September 2007.

Time: 4 pm.

The Service will be relayed from St. Nicholas Church, Castlegate out onto the High Street in Lanark, which will be closed to traffic for the duration.

Please note that Strathclyde Police have asked, in view of the numbers expected to attend, that people leave PLENTY of time to ensure that that they can arrive and access the venue before the commencement of the Service. Parking and shuttle buses will be controlled by the Police.

All who would like to attend will be most welcome.

Charity donations
The McRae family has also announced details for anyone wishing to make a donation to The Jerviswood Trust. If you want to make a donation, you can read more about it on www.colinmcrae.com

Colin McRae 1968 – 2007

It was terrible to be given the news that my good friend Colin and his 5 year-old son Johnny, died in a helicopter-crash Saturday evening. Colin was one of my closest friends and it is thanks to him I have achieved so much in rallying.

Colin’s passion for motorsport made him the most popular driver in the world, and it is unbelievable that he is no longer among us. I am so glad I got to know Colin.

Pernilla and I send our deepest condolences to his wife Alison and their daughter Hollie. Our thoughts are also with the families of Ben Porcelli and Graeme Duncan, who also died in this terrible accident.

If you feel like writing something here for Colin and his family, I will pass on all of yours condolences to Colin’s family.

Petter

Colin McRae feared dead in helicopter crash

Former Rally-champion Colin McRae is feared dead in a helicopter crash in Jerwiswood, near Lanark in Scotland. Colin’s manager confirms to English media that Colin was onboard, together with his 5 year-old son, a friend and his child. All of them feared to be killed in the accident.

Colin McRae, 39, became World Rally Champion with Subaru in 1995, and has won 25 World Rally events. He was a dear friend to Petter, since their partnership in Ford in 1999.

Marcus Grønholm retires

Marcus Grønholm announced on his website today that he will retire from rallying after the 2007 season’s finale in Wales in December. Grønholm leads the championship with 90 points, 10 points more than Frenchman Loeb in 2nd.

Marcus Grønholm (age 39) has been competing in the championship since 1999 and has 30 wins in total. He won the championship in 2000 and 2002.

You can read more on www.mgr.fi

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Petter presented the new WRC Impreza at Frankfurt Motorshow yesterday. Petter says that the new construction of the car gives it more stability in corners, and that he is happy to work with Fuji in developing the new concept.

The new car was unveiled by Petter and the vicepresident of Fuji, Mr Mat Nagato. The Frankfurt Motorshow opens for the public Thursday.

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Chris says he is really happy about the signing, and that he also looks forward to continue driving for SWRT. Chris’ codriver is now Stephane Prevot, after Glenn MacNeall decided to step down after Rally Portugal this year.

Frankfurt Motor Show

Petter will be present at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, when Subaru unveils the new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRC. Testing of the prototype will probably start in November. No technical information is given to the public regarding this car, other than it will keep its boxer layout engine. No decision has been taken yet as to which rally will be the first event for the 2008 car.