David Leslie tribute at Super Touring Car Festival

This weekend’s (Sat 10th & Sun 11th Sept) Super Touring Car Festival event supported by EventScotland and Fife Council will also dovetail as a special David Leslie Tribute event.

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Each year, top Formula Ford racers from up and down the country converge at Knockhill to race head-to-head for the coveted David Leslie Trophy. David, a former Formula Ford Champion himself is widely regarded as the man – together with his father, David Senior – to have discovered the likes of David Coulthard, Allan McNish and Dario Franchitti – introducing them to single seater racing under the David Leslie Racing banner. And, this special trophy race is a testament to that legacy that spawned some of the greatest racing talent that Scotland has ever seen.

A fact, not lost on ex-Formula One, FIA World Endurance Champion and three-time Le Mans 24 Hour Winner, Allan McNish.

“Scotland has a rich history in motorsport, and in David Leslie, this was a man that inspired a generation. From my point of view, I grew up with the name of David Leslie in my household, with my family supporting and Dad, spannering for David in his Formula Ford days; then when I started Karting and then moved to car racing it was with the Leslie family.

“Therefore, all that I’ve achieved in my time was deeply influenced by David, especially in those early days. The same can be said for David Coulthard and Dario Franchitti, so I think we should, quite rightly, have fond memories of David.

“As for this weekend, I hope everyone has a fantastic time, seeing all those legendary cars that he raced, but also, some of the legendary drivers like Frank Biela, that he raced against.

“It will be a great tribute to the Leslie family,” concluded McNish – sent via video message from a bustling Audi garage in the heart of the World Endurance Championship round in Mexico.

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Leslie’s career, included 5-karting titles, that Formula Ford Championship in 1978; British F3, World Sportscar and BTCC appearances – encompassing team drives with Vauxhall, Nissan, Mazda and Proton. Leslie’s highest finish in the British Touring Car Championship came back in 1999 when he raced for the Vodafone Nissan Racing Team behind the wheel of the Nissan Primera GT – that will be on display this weekend at Knockhill – finishing 2nd in the Championship behind teammate Laurent Aiello.

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Aside from the Pimera, David’s RML Aston Martin Le Mans car will also be on display; and the Honda Accord David raced back in 1996 will be on track with legendary Touring Car driver Gabriele Tarquini behind the wheel. Members of the Leslie family will also be on hand to join the celebrations.

Stuart Gray, Knockhill’s Events Director said: “We are both privileged and honoured to be remembering David in this way. We have star names from the past attending with each of them, continuing to hold him in the highest regard. His efforts changed the landscape of Scottish Motorsport and helped to develop champion Scottish drivers who have graced the World stage.”

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Pic: David Leslie with David Senior at Knockhill – by Jim Moir

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “David Leslie was a hugely important part of Scotland’s motorsport heritage, and I have no doubt that this Super Touring event, with its fine selection of Leslie’s race cars, will pay fitting tribute. Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and we look forward to welcoming motoring fans to Knockhill this weekend.”

Tickets for the event are available online now – subject to pre-booking discounts. Alternatively, tickets will be available at the gate throughout the weekend. Free on-site weekend camping is also available – pre-booking is preferred, and you can also enjoy a Super Touring Car Championship grid walk on Sunday 11th September (only) for an additional £5 – limited numbers and Gold Season pass holders will be granted free access.

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