Inside The Mind Of An Automotive Geek

The auto industry is closely related to motorsports. It is not surprising for auto enthusiasts to be addicted to Formula One or NASCAR or the WRC or even MotoGP and 24 Hours of Le Mans. And many look up to these guys and gals who participate in these sports. So it is not surprising that a guy like Colin McRae will be missed by many including myself.

Colin's a driver that will put everything on the line to give his best for the team and his fans. It's his attitude which inspired many to do all the best they can if they want to achieve something. Sadly though, Colin is no longer with us as he passed away along with his son, his son's friend, and one of his long time friends in a helicopter crash on Saturday.

Formula One veteran David Coulthard leads tributes for his compatriot. "He was fearless, flamboyant, blindingly quick in the car," said Coulthard of McRae. "He was very down-to-earth, matter-of-fact that he was so good. He had all the good Scottish traits. I competed in the Race of Champions with him because of my respect for him - I remember him urging me on, telling to get the finger out for Scotland."

"Colin was a remarkable man who wore his heart on this sleeve and was the epitome of a racer; fearless and attacking, yet he remained true to his roots and grounded despite the international fame and recognition that he achieved. The world is a sorrier place without him."

One-time teammate Sebastien Loeb said: "Colin was a hugely talented driver. He was also a down-to-earth, cool and collected person. He loved to joke around and it was a joy and an honour to work alongside him."

Multiple MotoGP World Champion and Colin's friend Valentino Rossi recently won the Portuguese Grand Prix and dedicated his victory to his idol. "Colin McRae was very important for me," said Rossi after the race. "He was one of my great idols when I was young. I always followed his career because he was the Kevin Schwantz (1993 500cc world champion) of rally. Colin gave me a lot of passion for that sport because he made a great show, always with some mistakes but always very fast. Unfortunately, all I can do for him is to dedicate this victory."

Other people close to him have extended their condolences to the bereaved family. It is such a blow to the sport but everyone knows that wherever Colin may be right now, he must be strapped on a seat of a rally car and putting the pedal to the metal as they say.