Motor Racing World Paid Tribute To Their Hero Leslie
Apr 15, 2008
The motor racing world paid tribute at a memorial for former racing driver David Leslie, who was killed in a plane crash.
Leslie, 54, from Dumfriesshire, was one of five men killed when a private jet crashed in Farnborough, Kent, on March 30. The Press Association
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”.
Leslie won nine races in the British Touring Car Championships, finishing second in 1999 before retiring four years later.
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.” NEWS scotsman
Formula One ace David Coulthard and Indy Car star Dario Franchitti also studied with David.
He was known as a brilliant developer of young racers. But he was also a stellar driver in his own right, winning nine British Touring Car races before retiring in 2003.
David, from Annan, Dumfriesshire, remained in the sport until his death, working as a technical expert and helping young talent.
He was cremated at a private ceremony before the hour-long memorial service.
A second memorial event will be held later for friends who could not attend on that day.Daily Record
