Every so often a new rally DVD is released that is as good as anything you’ve seen, and after watching “The Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally 2008†you’d have to agree that this particular one is a cut above the average.
Recently released (and available from RallySportMagazine’s extensive range of rally DVDs), the McRae Stages DVD is an exceptional one for a number of reasons. First, an explanation.
In 2008 the McRae Stages rally was held in Scotland to commemorate the late Colin McRae, the 1995 World Rally Champion, who died in a helicopter crash. Not only did the event attract a top line-up of local rally stars, but enticed (some out of retirement) an unprecedented number of rally stars from yesterday who came to compete one more time as a tribute to McRae.
Included in the list of star drivers, all in 2WD cars from the 1970 – 1985 period, were Hannu Mikkola, Phil Collins, Malcolm Wilson, Russell Brooks, Kris Meeke, Alistair and Jimmy McRae, Andrew Cowan, Americans John Buffum, Ken Block, and Travis Pastrana, Bjorn Waldegard, Louise Aitken-Walker and Ari Vatanen, while co-drivers represented were Nicky Grist, Derek Ringer, Ian Grindrod and David Richards. Some line up!
The McRae Stages was a one-day, five stage event that saw thousands of loyal rally fans turn out to see the action, and there was plenty of that. Duke Video recorded the event and put together a fantastic DVD of the action, including lots of in-car action of the stars reaquainting themselves with Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts, 911 Porsches, Opel Asconas and the like. Included is some frightening in-car footage of McRae senior demolishing his 911 in no uncertain manner. While the rally action is some of the best footage we’ve seen (the sights and sounds of Vatanen, Mikkola, Brookes, Alistair McRae in Escort BDAs at 9000 RPM is enough on its own), the accompanying interviews with 18 famous former and current competitors at the pre-event rally forum is, for someone who remembers the time when these stars were at their peak, spine-tingling, nostalgic viewing.
If the interviews don’t blow you away, then the rally itself will. In all, the DVD runs for over three and a half hours. If you want to see top class action and reacquaint yourself with the stars of the past, this DVD will really put a smile on your face. Viewing it once is simply not enough – prepare to spend lots of time on the couch watching and re-watching this new release.
The DVD is available now in our online store for only $39.95 + postage.
VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE MCRAE STAGES RALLY IN OUR PHOTO GALLERY
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