[Glen]

THE biggest event in Scottish rally history will power into gear on Saturday in Perth.




And among those lining-up to honour Colin McRae will be his proud dad Jimmy and brother Alister.

A total of 140 drivers will join them as the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally fires up in honour of the rally driver who so tragically lost his life one year ago in a helicopter crash.

Among the big names in the pack of honour will be former world rally champions Bjorn Waldegard, Ari Vatanen, Hannu Mikkola and Stig Blomqvist.

But arguably no-one is more looking forward to once again getting behind the wheel than Jimmy McRae, himself a five time British rally champion.

He said: "It's going to be good with so many old champions racing.

"I've done quite a few historic rallies but this is something I'm
really looking forward to.

"All these guys have made a big effort to come here, which is fantastic and I'm sure there will be a few stories being swapped.

"It's going to be exciting and as long as everyone obeys the marshalls it will be a good day!"

Over 20,000 fans are expected to attend the rally, a testament to McRae's legendary status in the sport.

Two of Colin's co-drivers — Derek Ringer, who won the world title with him in 1995, and Nicky Grist — will also be at the rally, organised by Coltness Car Club.

And former British champions Russell Brookes and Malcolm Wilson have signed up too, as has McRae's former boss at Subaru Dave Richards.

As well as honouring Colin, the event marks the final round of the County Saab MSA Scottish Rally Championship with 125 drivers desperate to finish as high up on the championship table as possible.

One local driver who will be desperately vying for points is Luke McLaren, from Crossford.

He said: "I can't wait for Saturday, it's going to be an amazing experience.

"It will certainly be a very different and unique event.

''If you look at the entry list and you see names like Ari Vatanen and Hannu Mikkola it will be brilliant to see these guys race.

"I'm not sure how much of a chance I will get to speak to them but it would be nice to get a few tips from them.

"From my point of view my car has a lot more power in it than
previous races so I'm confident I can do well."

On Friday night, rallying's royalty will turn out for the largest star-studded Rally Forum ever seen on British soil.

The rally begins at 9am at Perth City Halls on King Edward Street.

[Source...]