Broxi
25-08-2008, 15:38 07
Important Info Ref McRae Gathering... Please read if you are Attending...
The Club also requests the All those attending read the Event Etiquette, and adhere to it.
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Welcome to the McRae Gathering!
We are delighted to welcome you to the Colin McRae Gathering as we get together to celebrate the life of a gentleman, a true rally legend and the reason many of us are driving Subarus today.
This weekend is the culmination of many months of work and whilst we want to remember Colin and the others tragically lost in September 2007, it is not intended to be a sombre weekend. We want you to have fun and enjoy yourselves.
This guide is designed help you get the most out of the Gathering and your time taking part in this event. Please take the time to read through it as it covers everything from A to Z and beyond. Also, please print it out and take a copy with you so you know what is happening, where and when. It will prove invaluable if you get held up by traffic or traffic lights.
EVENT OVERVIEW
Saturday 30th August
The Colin McRae tribute convoy will depart from Lanark Market at 10am kindly led by Jimmy
McRae behind the wheel of Colin’s personal Series McRae Impreza.
Jimmy will lead the convoy until we reach the M74 motorway. From there we will proceed down the
M74, M6, M5, M42 and M40 with many others joining en route. There will be a lunch/refuelling
stop at Charnock Richards Services on the M6. The convoy will terminate at Prodrive, Banbury in
the early evening. There is nothing planned for Saturday evening at Prodrive. You will be free to go
to your accommodation, freshen up and go out and enjoy yourselves.
Sunday 31st August
From 10am the Prodrive facilities at Banbury will be open. You will be able to explore the Heritage
Centre and the Subaru World Rally Team Workshops. You will also be able to buy hot breakfast
rolls and tea and coffee.
At 12 noon, the convoy will depart from Banbury and head to the Prodrive test facility at Warwick
led by Colin’s 1996 World Championship Impreza. On arrival at Warwick you will immediately be
directed to the area where we will break our first world record - spelling out Colin’s name and a
Scottish Saltire entirely from Subarus to present the world’s largest mosaic/picture made entirely
from cars.
There will be an adjudicator from the Guinness Book of Records present on the day.
At approximately 3pm the charity auction and raffle will take place. Immediately after that you
should return to your car for our second world record attempt – the largest convoy of cars of the
same marque the world has ever seen.
Once the convoy is completed you will be directed out of the facility to have a safe journey home,
hopefully with memories of being part of an enjoyable and very special weekend.
EVENT ETIQUETTE
We believe that everyone who has committed to this event genuinely appreciates what Colin McRae
achieved and will enter into the spirit of this tribute. You are going to be part of something VERY special – a
totally unique event and one which will never happen again. We hope these rules are unnecessary, but we
have to publish them anyway:
The first one isn’t so much a rule as a request. We would ask that all cars taking part in both the Saturday and Sunday official convoys from Lanark to Banbury and Banbury to Warwick run with dipped headlights. Note, not just sidelights, and no full-on fog /driving lights, but with everyone on dipped headlights only. Apart from increasing safety by making our presence known to other drivers who might not be aware this event is taking place, it shows a unity – that we are all together for the same cause and it increases the impact of what we are doing and why we are doing it. Webmasters – please pass this request on to your various Members who are taking part.
No car in the official convoys shall overtake the lead car. There is only one car permitted to overtake the convoy lead car and that is the clearly-marked Marshal who has to pull ahead to each joining point to collect those joining. That car shall then escort incoming cars into the convoy and then proceed to the front of the convoy again to pull off at the next joining point.
Given the length of the convoy, lane discipline is vital. We must ensure we cause as little inconvenience to other road users as possible. If the left hand lane is clear then please return to it. Middle lane hogging will frustrate other drivers so please return as far left as you possibly can at all times. We know we are going to be monitored by police forces the entire length of the journey and we know there will be press photographers, television film crews and general well-wishers on motorway flyovers. Press interest in this event is massive - the eyes of the world WILL be upon us and you are ALL ambassadors for the McRae Gathering. Please bear that in mind.
If you have to pull out of the official convoys for any reason, you should re-join at the end of the convoy. You should not exceed the speed limit to “catch-up” or to rejoin your original place. The Colin McRae philosophy of “If in doubt, flat out” does not apply to this event!
The directions of Marshals must be followed at all times. Marshals will be wearing hi-visibility vests bearing the Gathering logo. We’ve spent a lot of time on the logistics of moving and parking so many cars so please help us by following their direction. This might mean you may not be able to park next to your friends or your Club, but please understand there are a massive number of cars to organise and we have to work with the land we have available.
All attendees must show respect to other road users and local residents, especially in both Banbury and Warwick. Remember, this is a respectful tribute event in memory of Colin McRae. If you’re staying in Banbury on Saturday night, keep the revs down – especially if you have a loud exhaust. Preferably, just leave the car and go out, have a few pints (but not too many!) and take in the atmosphere – Banbury will be heaving with Scooby enthusiasts!
Whilst we cannot insist anyone making their way to this event either on their own or as part of a smaller convoy abides by our rules we would ask that you do stick by them. If you are carrying a McRae Gathering sticker then you are representing this event. With the reputation Subaru drivers have gained due to the low cost of older models and cheaper insurance for young drivers we’ve had to work hard with Police forces, local authorities and residents to assure them that this is a respectful charity tribute event and not some boy racer cruise. Please – don’t let us down. We want everybody we come across this weekend to go away thinking what a nice bunch of people the Subaru community are.
Finally, and we hope this one is totally unnecessary - anyone who is found doing anything silly will have their attendance sticker removed, will be denied access to any event venue and may be reported to the Police.
OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION
MARSHALS
Marshals will be clearly identifiable with high-visibility vests on. They are there to ensure the
weekend goes as smoothly and enjoyably as possible. Please follow their instructions and don’t
hesitate to ask them if you have any questions.
SIGNPOSTING
Signposting for this event has been deliberately created low-key. Directions, where applicable, will
be indicated by a yellow arrow on a black background:
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This signposting will be available on Saturday from Junction 12 of the M74 to Lanark Market and
on Sunday from Junction 15 of the M40 to Prodrive, Warwick.
WEATHER
Please note that despite all the planning that has gone into this event, the one thing we cannot
control is the weather. The Prodrive Warwick facility is an outdoor test track with very limited
shelter from the elements. Please remember this is Britain and come prepared in case of rain.
WARWICK SITE
Please do not wander out of the main area and do not enter any marked-off areas as there may be
hidden obstacles which could cause injury.
WARWICK TOILET FACILITIES
There will be toilet facilities by the Control Tower at Warwick. Disabled toilets are available in the
main Prodrive buildings at Warwick. Please contact a Marshal for access to disabled toilets as the
building is security controlled.
FIRST AID
Trained First Aid personnel will be on-site. Please go to the Subaru Impreza Drivers Club Mobile
Unit by the control tower at Warwick or contact a Marshal for assistance
MISSING PERSONS
In the unlikely event of a missing person, please contact a Marshal. Parents, please advise children
if they do get separated or lost to contact a Marshal or make their way to the Subaru Impreza
Drivers Club Mobile Unit by the Control Tower which we will be using as a rendezvous point.
Marshals will be in radio contact with this unit.
LITTER
We want to leave both Prodrive facilities as we found them. Please remember Prodrive are giving
up their facilities free of charge to support this event so take any litter home with you. If you don’t
then the organisers will have to stay behind and clean it up.
EVENT SCHEDULE
SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST – LANARK MARKET
The initial convoy will depart from here at 10:00. Marshals will be on-site from 8am. Colin’s 1995
World Championship-winning Impreza, L555 BAT and his Rothmans Legacy will be on static
display.
DIRECTIONS
The address for Lanark Market is:
Hyndford Road
Lanark
ML11 9AX
From the South
If you are coming from the South on the M74 then you should take Junction 12. The route
will be signposted from this junction. You should take the opportunity to re-fuel at the
Happendon Services which offers Shell fuel and is right next to this junction.
From the North
Those coming from the North on the M74 should not come off at Junction 7 indicated
“Lanark” as this is not a good road. If using SatNav, ignore it. It is way faster for you to
proceed South to Junction 12. The route will be signposted from this junction. You should
take the opportunity to re-fuel at the Happendon Services which offers Shell fuel and is right
next to this junction.
Regardless of which direction you come from, if you turn off the M74 at Junction 12 we will
ensure your route is clearly sign-posted to Lanark Market.
From the East
For those arriving from Edinburgh and the East, we will signpost the route from when you
reach Lanark.
ARRIVAL
On arrival you will be directed by Marshals to one of three areas:
1) SUBARU CAR AND STICKER CLEARLY DISPLAYED UP FRONT
If you have a Gathering sticker on the front of your Subaru you will be waved through immediately to
the participant’s area.
2) SUBARU CAR WITH NO STICKER UP FRONT
If you drive a Subaru and don’t have a sticker on the front of your car and want to take part in this
event then you will be directed to an area where you may be able to buy one for the front of your
car at the cost of £20. This will happen regardless of whether or not you have one displayed
elsewhere on your vehicle. This is entirely dependent on us having any stock of stickers remaining
which is not guaranteed. Any car participating in any part of this event MUST have a Gathering
sticker clearly displayed in on the FRONT of their car.
3) NON-SUBARU CARS
If you do not drive a Subaru, whether it’s stickered or not, you will be directed to the spectator’s
area. Colin McRae fans are very welcome to come down, wander round and take things in - and
with over 300 cars registered to do the entire route it’s going to be a pretty spectacular sight for
any petrolhead, but they will not be allowed to take part in the event. Lanark is the only one of the
three venues where non-participants will be permitted access.
REFUELLING
For those approaching from the M74 (either North or South) providing you leave the Motorway at
Junction 12 you will see Happendon Services. This is a Shell station and it is recommended you
refuel there should you need to.
There is a Shell Station in Lanark which sells V-Power for those who require it, but it’s on the other
side of town from where we will be. There is also an Esso station for non-turbo cars. If you need to
refuel, ask a Marshal and they will give you a map and printed directions to the filling stations.
NOTE: The convoy will leave Lanark at 10am sharp. We will not wait for anyone who has not
returned from refuelling.
CATERING & TOILETS
The Pavilion building in the market will have toilet facilities and you will also be able to purchase
breakfast rolls and tea/coffee.
However, there is a local shop approximately one mile from Lanark Market which sells nicer hot
and cold breakfast rolls. From exiting the Market, turn left. Follow that road straight down until you
come to a roundabout. Go straight across this roundabout (first exit). The shop is about halfway
down the hill on the right.
DEPARTURE
An air horn will be used to direct you to your car at 09:45. You should be back at your car by
09:50 ready for departure. Departure from Lanark will commence at 10:00 sharp to keep us on
schedule. Please follow the directions of Marshals to take your place in the convoy. We will have a
police escort from Lanark to the motorway to ensure we get through in one so it’s important you
are ready to go on time.
If you are late at Lanark or not present when we depart, upon leaving the market, the convoy will
turn RIGHT onto the A73. It will proceed over the Hynford Bridge and then turn RIGHT on to the
A70 (signposted Ayr). We will continue along this road until we join the M74 at junction 12.
JOINING POINTS
A full recce of the convoy route has been carried out with distances and timings. These are as
follows:
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These are the only joining points for the convoy. Please only join at one of these points and
especially do not park on motorway slip roads waiting for the convoy as this is illegal and as stated
previously we are going to be watched over the entire route.
Please be at your cars and ready to leave the joining points at the times stated above. The convoy
car will swing in to each joining point, pick up waiting cars and lead them into the convoy. The
convoy car will not wait for you.
If you are already in the convoy, please be aware that there could be a considerable number of cars
merging. As we approach each joining point, please ensure there is sufficient gap between yourself
and the vehicle in front to allow those joining the convoy and other road users to merge smoothly.
CHARNOCK RICHARDS
There will be a one hour stop at Charnock Richards for refuelling and lunch. If joining the convoy
here please arrive in good time and make sure you are fuelled up BEFORE the convoy arrives to
alleviate pressure at the petrol station. This is a Shell station. They have been advised of this event
and will ensure fresh stocks of V-Power.
In the interests of safety please follow the directions of Marshals for refuelling and parking. It will
not be possible to fit everyone into the filling station at once and queuing will see cars tailed back
onto the motorway. You may have to park up and then refuel when the queues are less. Note that
the recce Impreza did the entire journey from Lanark to Banbury on ¾ tank of petrol. It may not be
necessary to refuel at Charnock Richards.
We would highly recommend taking a packed lunch both to avoid queuing for food at the services
and the expensive prices.
An air horn will be sounded at 13:45. Please be back at your cars ready to go by 13:50 so we can
ensure a timely departure at 14:00. The convoy will not wait for you.
ARRIVAL AT PRODRIVE
There is nothing formal planned for our arrival at Prodrive on Saturday. The Prodrive facilities will
not be open and there will be limited parking. The convoy will terminate here so those unfamiliar
with the area know where to go on Sunday morning. On arrival you are free to disperse to your
accommodation.
SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST – PRODRIVE, BANBURY
DIRECTIONS
Traffic should approach via the M40 and leave at Junction 11. For traffic from the north the
Prodrive facilities are clearly visible to the right of the motorway as you approach Junction 11.
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Banbury from the North............................................. ................ Banbury from the South
ON ARRIVAL AT PRODRIVE, BANBURY
The Prodrive facilities will be open from 10am. Marshals will be on-site from 8am. Please do not
arrive before 8am, but also do not all arrive at 10am! Plan on arriving some time in-between so
everybody isn’t descending at once. There will be sticker checks so please do not turn up if you do
not have an official McRae Gathering sticker on the FRONT of your car as you will not be permitted
access. Stickers will NOT be on sale. Please follow the directions of Marshals. We will take into
account lowered cars and cars with front splitters if we have to use the field for parking. The car
parks will be filled in order A, B, C, D etc on the diagram below. With up to 1300 cars arriving in a
short space of time, queues are likely to develop so please be patient. NOTE: There will be no
parking facilities for general public or non-stickered Subaru cars not taking part in this event.
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WHAT IS THERE TO SEE?
From 10am to 12 noon, Prodrive are opening up their heritage centre at Banbury and the Subaru
World Rally Team workshop. In the heritage centre, you will be able to see a collection of Prodrive
built race and rally cars from the last 25 years, while in the SWRT workshop you will be able to see
the latest event cars in build. As space within both of these areas is limited we would ask you not
to spend too long in either so that everyone has the opportunity to look around.
CATERING
Prodrive are providing a limited range of subsidised catering at both Banbury and their test track in
Warwickshire. We are expecting up to 3000 people or more and will do our best to serve as
many people as quickly as possible, so please be patient if the queues build. You are of course
welcome to bring your own food and we would suggest some form of packed lunch.
Banbury: 10am to 12 noon Test track Warwickshire: 12.30 – 4pm
Bacon rolls: £1.50 Hot dog £2
Tea/coffee: 50p Hamburger £2
Veggie burger £2
Cans of drink 50p
RAFFLE TICKETS
Tickets for the raffle to be drawn later in the day at Warwick will be on sale at Banbury.
See the Gathering website for the list of prizes on offer.
BANBURY TO WARWICK CONVOY
DEPARTURE
The convoy will depart Banbury at 12:00 sharp. Please be back at your cars and ready to leave no
later than 11:45. Follow the directions of Marshals. Please obey traffic lights. If you get held up at
traffic lights, use the map below to join the M40. Do not exceed the speed limit to catch up with the
convoy. It will be travelling at circa 60mph so will not pull far ahead.
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The convoy will proceed northbound on the M40 and leave at Junction 15. The journey between
the two Prodrive sites should take roughly 30 minutes, but may be longer due to the sheer volume
of cars we’re expecting and the following potential problem:
Please note the following with regard to Junction 15:
• There are traffic lights on the roundabout at the top of the slip road making this junction a
bottleneck. We have asked for Police assistance to help get the convoy through with the
minimum of delay or inconvenience to other road users, but this may not be possible.
• Approach this junction with care and be aware that due to the length of the convoy there
may be stationary traffic on the inside lane of the motorway as traffic queues for the traffic
lights.
• Be aware that other road users may not be aware of the convoy taking place. Please do
not bunch up and allow plenty space for them to merge if they wish to leave at this junction
• Do not be tempted to jump the traffic lights in order to keep up with the convoy. The route
will be signposted from this junction so you cannot get lost.
• There are yellow box junctions on this roundabout. Please do not block them.
If you do get separated from the convoy then you should take the A46 Northbound as indicated
below
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You should then follow the black and yellow arrow signs for the McRae Gathering to Prodrive,
Warwick.
Note: The access roads to Prodrive’s test track are country lanes and we would ask you to respect
their neighbours and drive carefully when arriving and leaving the event, particularly as this is a
Sunday afternoon. Due to the sheer numbers of cars there are also certain to be delays, so please
be patient.
PRODRIVE, WARWICK
ARRIVAL
On arrival at the Prodrive Warwick facility all cars will pass through a security check. Cars without a
sticker on the front and non-Subarus will NOT be permitted access. Please help speed the flow of
traffic and get everyone into the facility as quickly as possible by ensuring your official McRae
Gathering sticker is CLEARLY displayed on the FRONT of your car. Stickers will NOT be on sale.
Once through the checkpoint you should follow the directions of Marshals where you will be
directed immediately on to the test track. Please turn left only on the test track and follow the
track around until you are put into a holding position in preparation to make the Colin McRae
tribute sign. In order that we can make the Scottish flag white/silver and enough blue cars will
split and parked separately. (see the plan below)
COLIN MCRAE SIGN
Our intention is to use all the participating Subarus to write out Colin McRae on the main straight
at Prodrive. This will create a new world record for a mosaic made from cars. As you can imagine,
this exercise has never been done on this scale before so we will need your full co-operation to
ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible.
Below is a drawing of how the cars will make up the words Colin McRae and the Scottish flag. It will
be about 600 metres long and has been designed to ensure that everyone gets their car included.
We will build the sign from left to right, so first we will be making up the C, O, L etc finishing with the
flag. You will be taking part in something very special so please be patient and do not leave your car
until you are parked in the sign!
NOTE that once your car is in position you will NOT be allowed to leave early. You must remain until
the world record convoy has taken place and leave with the main body of cars as it will be
impossible to split out individual cars from so many. You should therefore not plan on leaving
Warwick until at least 5pm and arrange any babysitters etc accordingly.
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accordingly.
A helicopter and photographer have been arranged to capture this unique event. We hope to be in
the position to sell framed copies of this photo after the event.
ACTIVITIES
Once your car is parked up and part of the sign there are various activities arranged for you to see
and do.
• Rides on the tarmac rally stage: For a small fee, which will go to charity, you can ride in a
Subaru Impreza STI with a Prodrive instructor around the tarmac rally stage.
• Displays: A number of companies are setting up displays at the proving ground, including many
of the most popular Subaru tuners.
• Souvenir Photos: You will have the opportunity to have your photograph taken with Colin’s
1995 Impreza, his 1996 Impreza and his Legacy. These cars are very rarely seen together so
it is a unique opportunity for a souvenir of your day. Your photos will be printed and ready for
you to take home on the day.
• Visitors Book: A book will be available at the Subaru Impreza Drivers Club Mobile Unit for you to
sign and leave your memories of the day. This will be given to Jimmy McRae after the event.
• Raffle: A raffle with some fantastic prizes is being held. Raffle tickets will be available from the
Subaru Impreza Drivers Club Mobile Unit which they are kindly allowing us the use of for the
day. Please keep an eye on the McRae Gathering website for updates to raffle prizes.
• Clothing: There will be the opportunity to view and purchase from the Colin McRae Sport range
of clothing. This is likely to prove popular so get in there early!
• Auction: Some special items of memorabilia and other unique opportunities will be auctioned off
during the afternoon at the control tower. This will take place at approximately 3pm along with
the raffle draw. Among the top items will be a signed pair of Petter Solberg overalls and the
chance to be a member of the Subaru World Rally Team for the day at Rally GB. In full team
kit, you will be part of the team on the Saturday of Rally GB carrying out general tasks around
the service area. On the Sunday you can sit back and relax and be a guest of the team with full
hospitality.
Note that the rally stage rides and photographs are likely to be very popular and will be on a
first-come, first-served basis.
CATERING
As at Banbury, Prodrive are providing a limited range of subsidised catering. We are expecting up
to 3000 people or more and will do our best to serve as many people as quickly as possible so
please be patient if the queues build. You are of course welcome to bring your own food and we
would suggest some form of packed lunch.
Test track Warwickshire: 12.30 – 4pm
Hot dog £2
Hamburger £2
Veggie burger £2
Cans of drink 50p
PARADE AND EXIT
At 4pm everyone should return to their cars within the sign ready for the parade and to leave the
circuit. All the cars will then proceed in a parade around the test track. In order to set a new
world record for the largest parade, the cars must cover a distance of at least two miles while
being no more than two car lengths apart. We will start the parade by peeling cars off from the
McRae sign in single stream. The cars will be led by Colin McRae’s 1996 Impreza rally car. The
parade will then travel the route outlined below at a speed of no more than 20 mph to ensure that
the parade remains continuous. As you can see from the diagram below, the end of the parade is
on the exit of the test track at which point you will leave Prodrive for your way home.
As you approach the security checkpoint on exit, please have your driver’s window open. All
attendees will be presented with a special sticker on departure to say they were part of the McRae
Gathering.
On leaving Prodrive the Police have advised us that all traffic must turn RIGHT as the roads to the
left are unsuitable for heavy traffic and pass through a residential area. You will not be allowed to
turn left.
POST-EVENT
Our plans for the McRae Gathering website after the event are to turn it into a permanent record
of this event as our online tribute to Colin with photos and memories of the day. Please keep an eye
on it for further details of how to contribute your photos and memories and also for the final sum
raised for the McRae Vision Charity.
OUR THANKS
There are a number of people who we must thank for their help and assistance with this tribute.
Without them it simply would not have happened:
– Jimmy McRae and the McRae family
– Prodrive and in particularly Jackie Irwin and Ben Sayer for their tireless enthusiasm
– Campbell Roy
– Marjorie MacGregor, Lawrie and Symington Limited, Lanark Agricultural Centre
– Strathclyde Police
– Thames Valley Police
– Warwickshire Police
– Subaru World Rally Team
We would also like to thank Roger Clark Motorsport, ZEN Performance, Autotecart, Millers Oils,
Power Supply, CJB Photography, Declan McCormack, AET Turbos, Modified Live Show, National
Tyres and Autocare, Olympus UK, Nooka UK, Total Impreza Magazine, Logo Co, Kwang Tung
Restaurant and the Subaru Impreza Drivers Club for assistance and raffle and auction prizes.
Finally, we thank YOU – the Subaru community for your generosity in supporting this event. The
final charity sum will be WAY in excess of what we ever dreamed of. We sincerely hope you enjoy
your participation in this unique tribute to Colin McRae and that you head home feeling we have
done him proud.
Drive safe.
The McRae Gathering Team
The Club also requests the All those attending read the Event Etiquette, and adhere to it.
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Welcome to the McRae Gathering!
We are delighted to welcome you to the Colin McRae Gathering as we get together to celebrate the life of a gentleman, a true rally legend and the reason many of us are driving Subarus today.
This weekend is the culmination of many months of work and whilst we want to remember Colin and the others tragically lost in September 2007, it is not intended to be a sombre weekend. We want you to have fun and enjoy yourselves.
This guide is designed help you get the most out of the Gathering and your time taking part in this event. Please take the time to read through it as it covers everything from A to Z and beyond. Also, please print it out and take a copy with you so you know what is happening, where and when. It will prove invaluable if you get held up by traffic or traffic lights.
EVENT OVERVIEW
Saturday 30th August
The Colin McRae tribute convoy will depart from Lanark Market at 10am kindly led by Jimmy
McRae behind the wheel of Colin’s personal Series McRae Impreza.
Jimmy will lead the convoy until we reach the M74 motorway. From there we will proceed down the
M74, M6, M5, M42 and M40 with many others joining en route. There will be a lunch/refuelling
stop at Charnock Richards Services on the M6. The convoy will terminate at Prodrive, Banbury in
the early evening. There is nothing planned for Saturday evening at Prodrive. You will be free to go
to your accommodation, freshen up and go out and enjoy yourselves.
Sunday 31st August
From 10am the Prodrive facilities at Banbury will be open. You will be able to explore the Heritage
Centre and the Subaru World Rally Team Workshops. You will also be able to buy hot breakfast
rolls and tea and coffee.
At 12 noon, the convoy will depart from Banbury and head to the Prodrive test facility at Warwick
led by Colin’s 1996 World Championship Impreza. On arrival at Warwick you will immediately be
directed to the area where we will break our first world record - spelling out Colin’s name and a
Scottish Saltire entirely from Subarus to present the world’s largest mosaic/picture made entirely
from cars.
There will be an adjudicator from the Guinness Book of Records present on the day.
At approximately 3pm the charity auction and raffle will take place. Immediately after that you
should return to your car for our second world record attempt – the largest convoy of cars of the
same marque the world has ever seen.
Once the convoy is completed you will be directed out of the facility to have a safe journey home,
hopefully with memories of being part of an enjoyable and very special weekend.
EVENT ETIQUETTE
We believe that everyone who has committed to this event genuinely appreciates what Colin McRae
achieved and will enter into the spirit of this tribute. You are going to be part of something VERY special – a
totally unique event and one which will never happen again. We hope these rules are unnecessary, but we
have to publish them anyway:
The first one isn’t so much a rule as a request. We would ask that all cars taking part in both the Saturday and Sunday official convoys from Lanark to Banbury and Banbury to Warwick run with dipped headlights. Note, not just sidelights, and no full-on fog /driving lights, but with everyone on dipped headlights only. Apart from increasing safety by making our presence known to other drivers who might not be aware this event is taking place, it shows a unity – that we are all together for the same cause and it increases the impact of what we are doing and why we are doing it. Webmasters – please pass this request on to your various Members who are taking part.
No car in the official convoys shall overtake the lead car. There is only one car permitted to overtake the convoy lead car and that is the clearly-marked Marshal who has to pull ahead to each joining point to collect those joining. That car shall then escort incoming cars into the convoy and then proceed to the front of the convoy again to pull off at the next joining point.
Given the length of the convoy, lane discipline is vital. We must ensure we cause as little inconvenience to other road users as possible. If the left hand lane is clear then please return to it. Middle lane hogging will frustrate other drivers so please return as far left as you possibly can at all times. We know we are going to be monitored by police forces the entire length of the journey and we know there will be press photographers, television film crews and general well-wishers on motorway flyovers. Press interest in this event is massive - the eyes of the world WILL be upon us and you are ALL ambassadors for the McRae Gathering. Please bear that in mind.
If you have to pull out of the official convoys for any reason, you should re-join at the end of the convoy. You should not exceed the speed limit to “catch-up” or to rejoin your original place. The Colin McRae philosophy of “If in doubt, flat out” does not apply to this event!
The directions of Marshals must be followed at all times. Marshals will be wearing hi-visibility vests bearing the Gathering logo. We’ve spent a lot of time on the logistics of moving and parking so many cars so please help us by following their direction. This might mean you may not be able to park next to your friends or your Club, but please understand there are a massive number of cars to organise and we have to work with the land we have available.
All attendees must show respect to other road users and local residents, especially in both Banbury and Warwick. Remember, this is a respectful tribute event in memory of Colin McRae. If you’re staying in Banbury on Saturday night, keep the revs down – especially if you have a loud exhaust. Preferably, just leave the car and go out, have a few pints (but not too many!) and take in the atmosphere – Banbury will be heaving with Scooby enthusiasts!
Whilst we cannot insist anyone making their way to this event either on their own or as part of a smaller convoy abides by our rules we would ask that you do stick by them. If you are carrying a McRae Gathering sticker then you are representing this event. With the reputation Subaru drivers have gained due to the low cost of older models and cheaper insurance for young drivers we’ve had to work hard with Police forces, local authorities and residents to assure them that this is a respectful charity tribute event and not some boy racer cruise. Please – don’t let us down. We want everybody we come across this weekend to go away thinking what a nice bunch of people the Subaru community are.
Finally, and we hope this one is totally unnecessary - anyone who is found doing anything silly will have their attendance sticker removed, will be denied access to any event venue and may be reported to the Police.
OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION
MARSHALS
Marshals will be clearly identifiable with high-visibility vests on. They are there to ensure the
weekend goes as smoothly and enjoyably as possible. Please follow their instructions and don’t
hesitate to ask them if you have any questions.
SIGNPOSTING
Signposting for this event has been deliberately created low-key. Directions, where applicable, will
be indicated by a yellow arrow on a black background:
http://www.southwestscoobies.org.uk/sws_imagehosting/148b2c07229256.jpg
This signposting will be available on Saturday from Junction 12 of the M74 to Lanark Market and
on Sunday from Junction 15 of the M40 to Prodrive, Warwick.
WEATHER
Please note that despite all the planning that has gone into this event, the one thing we cannot
control is the weather. The Prodrive Warwick facility is an outdoor test track with very limited
shelter from the elements. Please remember this is Britain and come prepared in case of rain.
WARWICK SITE
Please do not wander out of the main area and do not enter any marked-off areas as there may be
hidden obstacles which could cause injury.
WARWICK TOILET FACILITIES
There will be toilet facilities by the Control Tower at Warwick. Disabled toilets are available in the
main Prodrive buildings at Warwick. Please contact a Marshal for access to disabled toilets as the
building is security controlled.
FIRST AID
Trained First Aid personnel will be on-site. Please go to the Subaru Impreza Drivers Club Mobile
Unit by the control tower at Warwick or contact a Marshal for assistance
MISSING PERSONS
In the unlikely event of a missing person, please contact a Marshal. Parents, please advise children
if they do get separated or lost to contact a Marshal or make their way to the Subaru Impreza
Drivers Club Mobile Unit by the Control Tower which we will be using as a rendezvous point.
Marshals will be in radio contact with this unit.
LITTER
We want to leave both Prodrive facilities as we found them. Please remember Prodrive are giving
up their facilities free of charge to support this event so take any litter home with you. If you don’t
then the organisers will have to stay behind and clean it up.
EVENT SCHEDULE
SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST – LANARK MARKET
The initial convoy will depart from here at 10:00. Marshals will be on-site from 8am. Colin’s 1995
World Championship-winning Impreza, L555 BAT and his Rothmans Legacy will be on static
display.
DIRECTIONS
The address for Lanark Market is:
Hyndford Road
Lanark
ML11 9AX
From the South
If you are coming from the South on the M74 then you should take Junction 12. The route
will be signposted from this junction. You should take the opportunity to re-fuel at the
Happendon Services which offers Shell fuel and is right next to this junction.
From the North
Those coming from the North on the M74 should not come off at Junction 7 indicated
“Lanark” as this is not a good road. If using SatNav, ignore it. It is way faster for you to
proceed South to Junction 12. The route will be signposted from this junction. You should
take the opportunity to re-fuel at the Happendon Services which offers Shell fuel and is right
next to this junction.
Regardless of which direction you come from, if you turn off the M74 at Junction 12 we will
ensure your route is clearly sign-posted to Lanark Market.
From the East
For those arriving from Edinburgh and the East, we will signpost the route from when you
reach Lanark.
ARRIVAL
On arrival you will be directed by Marshals to one of three areas:
1) SUBARU CAR AND STICKER CLEARLY DISPLAYED UP FRONT
If you have a Gathering sticker on the front of your Subaru you will be waved through immediately to
the participant’s area.
2) SUBARU CAR WITH NO STICKER UP FRONT
If you drive a Subaru and don’t have a sticker on the front of your car and want to take part in this
event then you will be directed to an area where you may be able to buy one for the front of your
car at the cost of £20. This will happen regardless of whether or not you have one displayed
elsewhere on your vehicle. This is entirely dependent on us having any stock of stickers remaining
which is not guaranteed. Any car participating in any part of this event MUST have a Gathering
sticker clearly displayed in on the FRONT of their car.
3) NON-SUBARU CARS
If you do not drive a Subaru, whether it’s stickered or not, you will be directed to the spectator’s
area. Colin McRae fans are very welcome to come down, wander round and take things in - and
with over 300 cars registered to do the entire route it’s going to be a pretty spectacular sight for
any petrolhead, but they will not be allowed to take part in the event. Lanark is the only one of the
three venues where non-participants will be permitted access.
REFUELLING
For those approaching from the M74 (either North or South) providing you leave the Motorway at
Junction 12 you will see Happendon Services. This is a Shell station and it is recommended you
refuel there should you need to.
There is a Shell Station in Lanark which sells V-Power for those who require it, but it’s on the other
side of town from where we will be. There is also an Esso station for non-turbo cars. If you need to
refuel, ask a Marshal and they will give you a map and printed directions to the filling stations.
NOTE: The convoy will leave Lanark at 10am sharp. We will not wait for anyone who has not
returned from refuelling.
CATERING & TOILETS
The Pavilion building in the market will have toilet facilities and you will also be able to purchase
breakfast rolls and tea/coffee.
However, there is a local shop approximately one mile from Lanark Market which sells nicer hot
and cold breakfast rolls. From exiting the Market, turn left. Follow that road straight down until you
come to a roundabout. Go straight across this roundabout (first exit). The shop is about halfway
down the hill on the right.
DEPARTURE
An air horn will be used to direct you to your car at 09:45. You should be back at your car by
09:50 ready for departure. Departure from Lanark will commence at 10:00 sharp to keep us on
schedule. Please follow the directions of Marshals to take your place in the convoy. We will have a
police escort from Lanark to the motorway to ensure we get through in one so it’s important you
are ready to go on time.
If you are late at Lanark or not present when we depart, upon leaving the market, the convoy will
turn RIGHT onto the A73. It will proceed over the Hynford Bridge and then turn RIGHT on to the
A70 (signposted Ayr). We will continue along this road until we join the M74 at junction 12.
JOINING POINTS
A full recce of the convoy route has been carried out with distances and timings. These are as
follows:
http://www.southwestscoobies.org.uk/sws_imagehosting/148b2baf82a6aa.jpg
These are the only joining points for the convoy. Please only join at one of these points and
especially do not park on motorway slip roads waiting for the convoy as this is illegal and as stated
previously we are going to be watched over the entire route.
Please be at your cars and ready to leave the joining points at the times stated above. The convoy
car will swing in to each joining point, pick up waiting cars and lead them into the convoy. The
convoy car will not wait for you.
If you are already in the convoy, please be aware that there could be a considerable number of cars
merging. As we approach each joining point, please ensure there is sufficient gap between yourself
and the vehicle in front to allow those joining the convoy and other road users to merge smoothly.
CHARNOCK RICHARDS
There will be a one hour stop at Charnock Richards for refuelling and lunch. If joining the convoy
here please arrive in good time and make sure you are fuelled up BEFORE the convoy arrives to
alleviate pressure at the petrol station. This is a Shell station. They have been advised of this event
and will ensure fresh stocks of V-Power.
In the interests of safety please follow the directions of Marshals for refuelling and parking. It will
not be possible to fit everyone into the filling station at once and queuing will see cars tailed back
onto the motorway. You may have to park up and then refuel when the queues are less. Note that
the recce Impreza did the entire journey from Lanark to Banbury on ¾ tank of petrol. It may not be
necessary to refuel at Charnock Richards.
We would highly recommend taking a packed lunch both to avoid queuing for food at the services
and the expensive prices.
An air horn will be sounded at 13:45. Please be back at your cars ready to go by 13:50 so we can
ensure a timely departure at 14:00. The convoy will not wait for you.
ARRIVAL AT PRODRIVE
There is nothing formal planned for our arrival at Prodrive on Saturday. The Prodrive facilities will
not be open and there will be limited parking. The convoy will terminate here so those unfamiliar
with the area know where to go on Sunday morning. On arrival you are free to disperse to your
accommodation.
SUNDAY 31ST AUGUST – PRODRIVE, BANBURY
DIRECTIONS
Traffic should approach via the M40 and leave at Junction 11. For traffic from the north the
Prodrive facilities are clearly visible to the right of the motorway as you approach Junction 11.
http://www.southwestscoobies.org.uk/sws_imagehosting/148b2b8e6726f3.jpg http://www.southwestscoobies.org.uk/sws_imagehosting/148b2b8e695972.jpg
Banbury from the North............................................. ................ Banbury from the South
ON ARRIVAL AT PRODRIVE, BANBURY
The Prodrive facilities will be open from 10am. Marshals will be on-site from 8am. Please do not
arrive before 8am, but also do not all arrive at 10am! Plan on arriving some time in-between so
everybody isn’t descending at once. There will be sticker checks so please do not turn up if you do
not have an official McRae Gathering sticker on the FRONT of your car as you will not be permitted
access. Stickers will NOT be on sale. Please follow the directions of Marshals. We will take into
account lowered cars and cars with front splitters if we have to use the field for parking. The car
parks will be filled in order A, B, C, D etc on the diagram below. With up to 1300 cars arriving in a
short space of time, queues are likely to develop so please be patient. NOTE: There will be no
parking facilities for general public or non-stickered Subaru cars not taking part in this event.
http://www.southwestscoobies.org.uk/sws_imagehosting/148b2b863eb573.jpg
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE?
From 10am to 12 noon, Prodrive are opening up their heritage centre at Banbury and the Subaru
World Rally Team workshop. In the heritage centre, you will be able to see a collection of Prodrive
built race and rally cars from the last 25 years, while in the SWRT workshop you will be able to see
the latest event cars in build. As space within both of these areas is limited we would ask you not
to spend too long in either so that everyone has the opportunity to look around.
CATERING
Prodrive are providing a limited range of subsidised catering at both Banbury and their test track in
Warwickshire. We are expecting up to 3000 people or more and will do our best to serve as
many people as quickly as possible, so please be patient if the queues build. You are of course
welcome to bring your own food and we would suggest some form of packed lunch.
Banbury: 10am to 12 noon Test track Warwickshire: 12.30 – 4pm
Bacon rolls: £1.50 Hot dog £2
Tea/coffee: 50p Hamburger £2
Veggie burger £2
Cans of drink 50p
RAFFLE TICKETS
Tickets for the raffle to be drawn later in the day at Warwick will be on sale at Banbury.
See the Gathering website for the list of prizes on offer.
BANBURY TO WARWICK CONVOY
DEPARTURE
The convoy will depart Banbury at 12:00 sharp. Please be back at your cars and ready to leave no
later than 11:45. Follow the directions of Marshals. Please obey traffic lights. If you get held up at
traffic lights, use the map below to join the M40. Do not exceed the speed limit to catch up with the
convoy. It will be travelling at circa 60mph so will not pull far ahead.
http://www.southwestscoobies.org.uk/sws_imagehosting/148b2b7b70f475.jpg
The convoy will proceed northbound on the M40 and leave at Junction 15. The journey between
the two Prodrive sites should take roughly 30 minutes, but may be longer due to the sheer volume
of cars we’re expecting and the following potential problem:
Please note the following with regard to Junction 15:
• There are traffic lights on the roundabout at the top of the slip road making this junction a
bottleneck. We have asked for Police assistance to help get the convoy through with the
minimum of delay or inconvenience to other road users, but this may not be possible.
• Approach this junction with care and be aware that due to the length of the convoy there
may be stationary traffic on the inside lane of the motorway as traffic queues for the traffic
lights.
• Be aware that other road users may not be aware of the convoy taking place. Please do
not bunch up and allow plenty space for them to merge if they wish to leave at this junction
• Do not be tempted to jump the traffic lights in order to keep up with the convoy. The route
will be signposted from this junction so you cannot get lost.
• There are yellow box junctions on this roundabout. Please do not block them.
If you do get separated from the convoy then you should take the A46 Northbound as indicated
below
http://www.southwestscoobies.org.uk/sws_imagehosting/148b2b7586fb03.jpg
You should then follow the black and yellow arrow signs for the McRae Gathering to Prodrive,
Warwick.
Note: The access roads to Prodrive’s test track are country lanes and we would ask you to respect
their neighbours and drive carefully when arriving and leaving the event, particularly as this is a
Sunday afternoon. Due to the sheer numbers of cars there are also certain to be delays, so please
be patient.
PRODRIVE, WARWICK
ARRIVAL
On arrival at the Prodrive Warwick facility all cars will pass through a security check. Cars without a
sticker on the front and non-Subarus will NOT be permitted access. Please help speed the flow of
traffic and get everyone into the facility as quickly as possible by ensuring your official McRae
Gathering sticker is CLEARLY displayed on the FRONT of your car. Stickers will NOT be on sale.
Once through the checkpoint you should follow the directions of Marshals where you will be
directed immediately on to the test track. Please turn left only on the test track and follow the
track around until you are put into a holding position in preparation to make the Colin McRae
tribute sign. In order that we can make the Scottish flag white/silver and enough blue cars will
split and parked separately. (see the plan below)
COLIN MCRAE SIGN
Our intention is to use all the participating Subarus to write out Colin McRae on the main straight
at Prodrive. This will create a new world record for a mosaic made from cars. As you can imagine,
this exercise has never been done on this scale before so we will need your full co-operation to
ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible.
Below is a drawing of how the cars will make up the words Colin McRae and the Scottish flag. It will
be about 600 metres long and has been designed to ensure that everyone gets their car included.
We will build the sign from left to right, so first we will be making up the C, O, L etc finishing with the
flag. You will be taking part in something very special so please be patient and do not leave your car
until you are parked in the sign!
NOTE that once your car is in position you will NOT be allowed to leave early. You must remain until
the world record convoy has taken place and leave with the main body of cars as it will be
impossible to split out individual cars from so many. You should therefore not plan on leaving
Warwick until at least 5pm and arrange any babysitters etc accordingly.
http://www.southwestscoobies.org.uk/sws_imagehosting/148b2b661c1cb5.jpg
accordingly.
A helicopter and photographer have been arranged to capture this unique event. We hope to be in
the position to sell framed copies of this photo after the event.
ACTIVITIES
Once your car is parked up and part of the sign there are various activities arranged for you to see
and do.
• Rides on the tarmac rally stage: For a small fee, which will go to charity, you can ride in a
Subaru Impreza STI with a Prodrive instructor around the tarmac rally stage.
• Displays: A number of companies are setting up displays at the proving ground, including many
of the most popular Subaru tuners.
• Souvenir Photos: You will have the opportunity to have your photograph taken with Colin’s
1995 Impreza, his 1996 Impreza and his Legacy. These cars are very rarely seen together so
it is a unique opportunity for a souvenir of your day. Your photos will be printed and ready for
you to take home on the day.
• Visitors Book: A book will be available at the Subaru Impreza Drivers Club Mobile Unit for you to
sign and leave your memories of the day. This will be given to Jimmy McRae after the event.
• Raffle: A raffle with some fantastic prizes is being held. Raffle tickets will be available from the
Subaru Impreza Drivers Club Mobile Unit which they are kindly allowing us the use of for the
day. Please keep an eye on the McRae Gathering website for updates to raffle prizes.
• Clothing: There will be the opportunity to view and purchase from the Colin McRae Sport range
of clothing. This is likely to prove popular so get in there early!
• Auction: Some special items of memorabilia and other unique opportunities will be auctioned off
during the afternoon at the control tower. This will take place at approximately 3pm along with
the raffle draw. Among the top items will be a signed pair of Petter Solberg overalls and the
chance to be a member of the Subaru World Rally Team for the day at Rally GB. In full team
kit, you will be part of the team on the Saturday of Rally GB carrying out general tasks around
the service area. On the Sunday you can sit back and relax and be a guest of the team with full
hospitality.
Note that the rally stage rides and photographs are likely to be very popular and will be on a
first-come, first-served basis.
CATERING
As at Banbury, Prodrive are providing a limited range of subsidised catering. We are expecting up
to 3000 people or more and will do our best to serve as many people as quickly as possible so
please be patient if the queues build. You are of course welcome to bring your own food and we
would suggest some form of packed lunch.
Test track Warwickshire: 12.30 – 4pm
Hot dog £2
Hamburger £2
Veggie burger £2
Cans of drink 50p
PARADE AND EXIT
At 4pm everyone should return to their cars within the sign ready for the parade and to leave the
circuit. All the cars will then proceed in a parade around the test track. In order to set a new
world record for the largest parade, the cars must cover a distance of at least two miles while
being no more than two car lengths apart. We will start the parade by peeling cars off from the
McRae sign in single stream. The cars will be led by Colin McRae’s 1996 Impreza rally car. The
parade will then travel the route outlined below at a speed of no more than 20 mph to ensure that
the parade remains continuous. As you can see from the diagram below, the end of the parade is
on the exit of the test track at which point you will leave Prodrive for your way home.
As you approach the security checkpoint on exit, please have your driver’s window open. All
attendees will be presented with a special sticker on departure to say they were part of the McRae
Gathering.
On leaving Prodrive the Police have advised us that all traffic must turn RIGHT as the roads to the
left are unsuitable for heavy traffic and pass through a residential area. You will not be allowed to
turn left.
POST-EVENT
Our plans for the McRae Gathering website after the event are to turn it into a permanent record
of this event as our online tribute to Colin with photos and memories of the day. Please keep an eye
on it for further details of how to contribute your photos and memories and also for the final sum
raised for the McRae Vision Charity.
OUR THANKS
There are a number of people who we must thank for their help and assistance with this tribute.
Without them it simply would not have happened:
– Jimmy McRae and the McRae family
– Prodrive and in particularly Jackie Irwin and Ben Sayer for their tireless enthusiasm
– Campbell Roy
– Marjorie MacGregor, Lawrie and Symington Limited, Lanark Agricultural Centre
– Strathclyde Police
– Thames Valley Police
– Warwickshire Police
– Subaru World Rally Team
We would also like to thank Roger Clark Motorsport, ZEN Performance, Autotecart, Millers Oils,
Power Supply, CJB Photography, Declan McCormack, AET Turbos, Modified Live Show, National
Tyres and Autocare, Olympus UK, Nooka UK, Total Impreza Magazine, Logo Co, Kwang Tung
Restaurant and the Subaru Impreza Drivers Club for assistance and raffle and auction prizes.
Finally, we thank YOU – the Subaru community for your generosity in supporting this event. The
final charity sum will be WAY in excess of what we ever dreamed of. We sincerely hope you enjoy
your participation in this unique tribute to Colin McRae and that you head home feeling we have
done him proud.
Drive safe.
The McRae Gathering Team