Key Highlights
- Hollie McRae, daughter of racing legend Colin McRae, set for her rally driving debut 30 years after her father’s world championship win.
- The tragic helicopter crash that claimed Colin McRae and three others’ lives occurred on September 15, 2007.
- Hollie will compete in the RAC Rally at Kielder Forest in Northumberland with co-driver Jon Armstrong.
- Colin McRae’s family background includes his grandfather Jimmy McRae as a five-time British champion and his uncle Alister competing at the top level.
The Legacy of Colin McRae
Rally driving has been in the blood of the McRae family for generations. The late racing legend, Colin McRae, once dominated the world rally championship and was the first British driver to win it. His daughter, Hollie, is now following his footsteps into the sport.
The Tragic Crash
Colin’s untimely death in a helicopter crash on September 15, 2007, devastated not only his family but also the motorsport community. The tragic incident claimed the lives of Colin along with his pilot Graeme Duncan and two young boys—five-year-old Johnny McRae and six-year-old Ben Porcelli—from their home in Lanark.
Hollie’s Journey
Despite the traumatic event, Hollie did not shy away from motorsport. As she grew older, her passion for rally driving only intensified. While initially teaching primary school pupils in Glasgow, Hollie decided to focus on motorsport media and presenting full-time in 2022.
“Motor racing is very much in my blood,” Hollie told the Record. “I suppose I was always going to have that natural draw to motorsport purely because of the family connection but it’s also something I really love.”
A Special Debut
On November 22, 2025, Hollie will make her competitive driving debut at Kielder Forest in Northumberland. She will be partnered with Jon Armstrong as her co-driver for the Mini challenge during the RAC Rally. The event marks a significant milestone, occurring exactly 30 years to the day since Colin McRae’s world championship win.
“It will, I suppose, be the closest I’ve ever felt to experience even the slightest bit of what my dad might have felt 30 years ago and I just need to enjoy it,” Hollie said. “There are going to be a lot of emotions and something I don’t necessarily think I’ve grasped the full gravity of yet.”
The Family Legacy
Colin McRae’s family has a rich history in motorsport. His grandfather, Jimmy McRae, was a five-time British champion in the 1980s, and his uncle Alister also competed at the highest levels of rallying.
“We have always supported Hollie as she pursued her passion for rally driving,” said Alison McRae, Colin’s widow. “It is very special to see her making a name for herself in motorsport.”
Conclusion
Hollie McRae’s participation in the RAC Rally marks a poignant moment in the world of rallying. As she embarks on this journey 30 years after her father’s historic win, Hollie carries both pride and a deep sense of legacy. The event serves as a tribute not only to Colin’s achievements but also to the resilience and strength of his family in the face of tragedy.
