Photo : Nicolas COUSSEAU / ACO
Drivers specializing in rally have also made their mark in the history of the Le Mans classic. Besides Jean Ragnotti, Michèle Mouton, Walter Röhrl or Sébastien Loeb, to name a few, Colin McRae relished in the challenge of participating in the biggest endurance race in the world. It was ten years ago. A notable experience…
World Champion in 1995 with Subaru, the Brit created a sensation in 2004 by joining the Prodrive delegation in charge of entering the Ferrari 550 Maranello cars in the GTS class. Well-known for putting heart into his work in the rally world, many doubted that Colin McRae would be able to channel energy during an endurance race. With team-mates Darren Turner and Rickard Rydell, the Lanark, Scotland, native would silence naysayers with his top-notch experience and speed. At the finish of the 72nd edition on Sunday, June 13, 2004 the No. 65 Prodrive Racing line-up finished third in the GTS class, behind the untouchable official Chevrolet Corvettes. One more time a great rally driver put a spotlight on his capabilities and achieved a significant finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tradition was respected!
Particularly appreciated in the motorsports world for his kindness and spirit, Colin McRae tragically lost his life in a helicopter accident on September 15, 2007.
PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SATURDAY & SUNDAY JUNE 12-13 2004, TECHNICAL VERIFICATIONS. The Prodrive team in full pose for its official photo.
Pierre-Yves RIOM / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO