5 January 2023 - Banbury, United Kingdom. Ahead of next week’s Autosport International show at Birmingham's NEC, fans have been voting for their favourite motorsport memory from a shortlist chosen by a panel including three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE. Autosport and Race Against Dementia can now reveal the epic 1995 World Rally Championship win from fellow Scot, Colin McRae, topped the poll.
A storied event in Prodrive's history, McRae’s cut-throat battle with Carlos Sainz led to a dramatic showdown between the Subaru teammates. It made icons of both McRae and the iconic blue Subaru with its trademark gold wheels, creating a legend that continued after his untimely death in 2007. On many of the Welsh stages McRae and co-driver, Derek Ringer, were more than a second per mile clear of the competition in treacherous and foggy conditions. McRae was the first British driver to win the World Rally Championship, clinched after setting the fastest times on 18 of the 28 stages to win his home rally.
The second most popular memory was from the 24 hours of Le Mans. The magic of Hollywood brought the 1966 Ford versus Ferrari battle back to public prominence recently with the 2019 blockbuster Le Mans 66, telling the story of Ferrari’s winning streak at Le Mans being finally broken by the American car giant.
Completing the podium of memories was one of Sir Jackie’s greatest ever drives. The 1968 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, one of the most dangerous circuits in the world, was hailed by many as one of the most impressive drives in Formula 1 history. Sir Jackie won by an incredible four minutes in wet, foggy conditions. He did this with his customary style, pace, car control and a broken wrist!
These three incredible moments will be evoked as part of a greatest ten Motorsport Memories gallery at Autosport International, held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre on 12-15 January 2023. The ten prints, supplied by Motorsport Images, will be signed by Sir Jackie and raffled, along with many other motorsport items, to raise funds and awareness for Race Against Dementia’s research. Fans can text MEMORY to 70215 to enter the free prize draw.
Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE said;
"A sincere thank you to all the fans who suggested memories to add to the shortlist and then took the time to vote. There are so many memories to savour, but Colin’s achievements make him a worthy winner. He put British rallying back on the map, and brought so many new fans to the sport. His speed, talent and unique personality made him a fan favourite and the sport truly misses him."
Ben Whibley, Autosport International event director, states;
"Having endurance racing, F1 and rallying in the top three of the poll shows the breadth of Autosport International’s fanbase. It reflects the range of cars and stars that the public can see next week in Birmingham. We are proud to support Race Against Dementia to share the charity’s fundraising activities and Motorsport Memories with our expected 90,000 visitors. Having Sir Jackie visit the gallery and share his own memories as well as his pioneering vision for the charity is an honour.”
The 2023 Autosport International and Performance & Tuning Car Show takes place from 12 - 15 January at the NEC in Birmingham. Tickets for public and trade are now available. Get yours here: https://www.autosportinternational.com/
Fans can support their work by texting MEMORY to 70215 to enter the free prize draw and make a voluntary donation.
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For more information please contact:
David Hodgkinson
Marketing Manager
e: dhodgkinson@prodrive.com
t: +44 1295 273355
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Prodrive
Prodrive is one of the world’s largest and most successful motorsport and technology businesses. Over 500 staff are employed across its Banbury headquarters and composites manufacturing facility in Milton Keynes. While the company is perhaps best known for motorsport, today it is just one part of an organisation that in the last decade has diversified to become a technology business working in a range of sectors and providing a range of services. Within the Prodrive Group, there are four distinct but interconnected business areas: Motorsport, operating race and rally programmes for vehicle manufacturers and global brands; Advanced Technology, providing innovative technology for the automotive, aerospace, defence, and marine sectors; Composites, developing lightweight composite components for the automotive, aerospace and marine sectors; and Brand& developing bespoke clothing and accessories for leading brands.