Motor-racing world unites in tribute to plane crash victim Leslie

Published on Monday 14 April 2008 22:50

THE motor-racing world paid tribute at a memorial yesterday for former racing driver David Leslie, who was killed in a plane crash.

Around 500 friends and relatives attended a service in Dumfries for the British Touring Car Championship star, who was cremated earlier at a private ceremony.

Leslie, 54, of Dumfriesshire, is credited with helping the careers of aspiring drivers.

He was one of five men killed when a private jet crashed in Farnborough, Kent, on 30 March.

There were no survivors in the accident, which claimed the lives of Mike Roberts, 63, Michael Chapman, 57, Christopher Allarton, 25, and race-firm boss Richard Lloyd, 63.

Leslie, a married father of two, was remembered at the service in the Crichton Memorial Church as a "gentleman", and a "world-class racing talent".

Le Mans winner Allan McNish was among those who paid tribute to Leslie during the hour-long memorial. McNish, 38, who began his career under the guidance of Leslie, told mourners: "He lit the spark in me. He was an inspiration to us all. The tricks David taught us, they were the foundation of our careers. He was a world-class talent behind the racing wheel."

Leslie, who lived in Banbury, Oxfordshire, is survived by wife Jane and grown-up sons Graham and James. Leslie

won nine races in the British Touring Car Championships, finishing second in 1999 before retiring four years later.

Racing team boss Ray Mallock said Leslie put his "heart and soul" into the sport. He told mourners: "He was a great man, he was a hugely talented driver, he was a friend."

As well as guiding Mr McNish to success, Leslie also acted as a mentor in the early careers of fellow Scots David Coulthard, the Formula 1 star, and Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti.

Franchitti, married to Hollywood actress Ashley Judd, was racing in the US, Mr McNish said. His sister was at the service.

A further memorial is being held later, either at or near Silverstone, for those unable to attend yesterday.