Report on the events leading up to the Colin McRae Stages 2008 – Matthew MacKenzie
“The sound has left the hills but the memory will always be there” my memories of our tribute to an amazing Scotsman Colin Mcrae. Back in early August my good friend Alex and I thought it would be fantastic to enter a car in the Tribute to Colin Mcrae Stages. A couple of beers later we had the basis of a plan, that plan turned into an unforgettable weekend for not just us but for thousands of motor sport fans from all corners of the world.
Both Alex and I thought that to be able to put a deal together to run a Scottish World Rally Champion in the event would be a fitting tribute to the legend now known. So Alex who had been one of the principal engineers who with others in GM Eurosport helped Louise Aitken Walker to her Ladies World Championship crown in 1990 and now long time friend thought “how’s about I contact Louise and suss it out”.
Bingo the lass was ecstatic not driven a car competitively in 10 years, no licence, no helmet, no overalls, nae money but what the heck… lets go for it.
Over to me, we have a driver a crew Ricky, Davie, and Callum now to find a car and monies to run it. We placed an advertorial in Motorsport News to find a navigator who would consider buying the passenger seat for the event, but allas (not Louise) no joy, however great news a call from John Leahy the very proud owner of KKV 394V…… yes the ex Russell Brooks, Andrews Heat for Hire Sunbeam Lotus what better a car for the event and not an Escort and better still offering the car for free!!. Yes. For free all we had to do now was find a much lesser amount for running costs, fuel ,insurance tyres etc.
Time to sponsor find, well probably it couldn’t have been a worst time but off I went… from local Aberdeen companies, Scottish companies to multi-national drinks companies. Calls, letters, emails, times running on and no joy. Meantime Kumho Tyres heard of our plight and kindly offered enough tyres for the event. So quick beer meeting called to assess the situation “what we got Alex”… Car, driver, crew, tyres still nae money though. Only 2 weeks to go….”call Louise”.
A few days later the saviour steps in a lovely gentleman and rally enthusiast Edwin Cook friend of Louise willing to fund and co - drive. Brilliant we’re there.
The excitement.. the adrenalin kicked in and the final arrangements made a chase car supplied by my employers Coachhouse Aberdeen 4x4. The tools , jacks, overalls and the kitchen sink aboard we were off to Perth Race Course.
The weekend was without doubt an exciting, tiring, emotional but… nae buts....we were there, we made it, enjoying a few days in my life… celebrating the life of a True Legend that of Colin Mcrae a Scotsman who won the world over with his flamboyant driving style, his skill and his devotion to the sport he loved and who went on to become a World Rally Champion.
M2M were delighted to take some of the key sponsors and supporters along to Knockhill to give them the M2M Caterham Experience!
Mid Season Report
To date the season has been a graet success with top 3 finishes achieved in all events entered, resulting in a class win at the resent Fintry Hill Climb for Andrew.
The car is goinf from strengh to strengh with an engine rebuild recently undertaken under the guidence of Ricky Gauld, and new Avons.
Pre Season
Both Andrew and Matthew are well on with planning the race calander for M2M Motorsport for 2008. Please visit again, as exect dates will posted asap.
Ryan helping out with preparation work for the forthcoming season.
2007
M2M are delighted to announce that Matthew MacKenzie has taken up the position incharge of Sales and Marketing with the above companies. They specialise in specialist vehicle rental such as Range Rover, Discovery, Freelander, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Motorhomes etc be it short or long term.
