Rallying fans call for McRae tribute plaque

Oct 16 2008 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

A FAMILY from Conwy is lobbying for a plaque to be put up in the area in memory of rally driver Colin McRae.

Britain’s first world rally champion, McRae died at the age of 39 in September 2007 in a tragic helicopter crash near his home in Lanarkshire.

Rallying fans Nick, Denise, Daniel and Nicola Nieroda, from Conwy, lobbied Chester City Council for a memorial plaque for McRae to be put up in the city.

The council turned their request down, saying it does not have the funds and pointing out the rally driver was not from Chester.

Nick commented: “I just think it would be fitting for Chester to put up a plaque as this was where McRae was crowned world rally champion in 1995.

“Colin was a fantastic flamboyant driver, loved by millions who saw him drive his Subaru Impreza.”

Now the family have turned their attention to getting a plaque erected in North Wales.

“Clocaenog and Penmachno forests are where McRae drove in the 1995 Network Q rally prior to the finish in Chester,” explained Nick.

“There have been many memorial events across the country for McRae and I think it is only fitting that he was honoured in some way in North Wales.

“I’m gutted Chester City Council said no as I even suggested private finance for the plaque. We will now pursue Conwy County Council for a memorial plaque.”