As the climax of the 2011 World Rally Championship hits Wales this weekend, many in motorsport are keen to remember a rallying legend.
Six years ago this month, the world sadly lost 2001 World Rally Champion, Richard Burns, to a brain tumour at the age of only 34.
To mark what will be the tenth anniversary of his championship success, the Richard Burns Foundation recently launched the “Paint it Orange” campaign, in a bid to paint a sea of orange across the Welsh valleys.
The campaign, which has garnered tremendous support from numerous Formula 1 and WRC competitors, aims not to simply add colour to the region, but to support the Foundation in “its mission to help the Brain & Spine Foundation create a nationwide network of brain centres in the UK.”
The charity is also helping to address the lack of neurological provisions in Great Britain.
In addition to the “Paint it Orange” campaign, a charity auction will also be taking place from 6.30pm on Saturday evening at Cardiff Castle.
Several “Paint it Orange” shirts signed by the F1 and WRC community are to lead the auction, while other featured lots include factory tours of the Red Bull, McLaren and Renault team’s, TW Steel watches, Pedro de la Rosa’s McLaren race suit and a cap signed by Burns and his co-driver Robert Reid.
For more information on the Richard Burns Foundation, please visit their website. Even if you are not attending the Wales Rally GB, the “Paint it Orange” shirts can be purchased from Grandstand Merchandise.
All proceeds from the sale of the shirt are going to the Richard Burns Foundation.
As a timely reminder of Burns’ skill behind the wheel and his measure as a person, AMP Films have produced this wonderful short film highlighting Burns’ championship and his later battle with brain cancer.
2001 – when rally cars slid sideways through bends and Kenyan sand mixed equally amongst Monegasque tarmac. Just magic.
Awesome video, although it is also devastatingly sad. I remember reading a comparison/contrast of Richard Burns’ and Colin McRae’s styles and personalities in something (Autosport online? Maybe an actual paper copy of Autosport, in one of the rare occasions I’ve found and bought one over here? I don’t remember) back around the time of Richard’s championship. I remember reading that piece and thinking to myself “crap, I’ve been rooting for the wrong Brit these whole last few years. Maybe I shouldn’t just root for the guy whose PlayStation games I’ve played a million hours of, since Richard is much more my style.” It was a crushing loss to have Richard pass at such a young age. I’m glad to see that his name and story is getting back out there, and that his name can be used for such a worthy cause.