Colin McRae ERC award goes to Harrach

Austrian driver Beppo Harrach is the inaugural winner of the Colin McRae ERC Flat Out Trophy.

The award will be presented on all rounds of the FIA European Rally Championship to the driver who most epitomises the values of the rallying legend: speed, commitment and bravery.

Harrach, who finished fifth on the ERC-opening International Jännerrallye after a close fight with Polish Subaru driver Kajetan Kajetanowicz for ERC Production Car Cup glory, dropped down the order on Friday night when his Mitsubishi’s windscreen misted up in the foggy conditions and cost him two minutes.

However, he refused to be disheartened and fought back, setting a fastest stage time on the final day. He eventually clinched fifth by just over one second from Kajetanowicz: their battle one of the highlights of the rally.

Harrach was selected for the prize by a jury consisting of Eurosport Event’s Gilbert Roy, ERC General Co-ordinator Jean-Pierre Nicolas and Colin McRae’s father Jimmy. His refusal to give up and strong turn of speed were the two main reasons why he was chosen for the inaugural trophy.

The Austrian driver, who won the Jännerrallye in 2011, said: “This is a real honour. Colin McRae was one of my heroes when I was growing up; people loved him because he was flat out everywhere.”