Jimmy McRae: 80 years old and still winning

McRae, father of the late World Champion Colin, and 1995 British Champion Alister, took the National Rally Title top spot at the Grampian Rally.

Now 80 years old, McRae proved he lost none of his magic, by taking the category spoils as he brought a Ford Escort Mk1 to the event in a fan-pleasing return.

“Who would have believed I’d be here 50 years ago, winning the class hey,” he said. “Totally unbelievable!

“I was a bit apprehensive to start with on Friday, but this morning I thoroughly enjoyed it. We got to the end of the long stage and it was great to be greeted by Hollie [McRae, Grand daughter and BRC presenter] who was interviewing folk.

“I said to her, it was just something else to get back into and enjoying it. A huge thanks to Mike Stuart, the car was faultless; it’s a lovely wee car. Let’s not forget the car is 50 years old too!”

McRae won the British Rally Championship title a record five times in 1981, 1982, 1984, 1987 and 1988. It’s a record that still stands.

He has been a works driver for Vauxhall, Opel and Ford, and drove an MG Metro 6R4 in the ill-fated 1986 World Rally Championship, the season that saw the end of the fire-breathing Group B cars.