Farnborough Plane Crash
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Motor racing world tribute to Farnborough crash victim
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| The fireball caused by the crash |
THE motor racing world paid tribute at a memorial for former racing driver David Leslie, who was killed in the Farnborough plane crash.
Mr Leslie from Dumfriesshire, was one of five men killed when a private jet crashed into numbers 4 and 5 Romsey Close on March 30.
There were no survivors in the accident, which also claimed the lives of Mike Roberts, 63, Michael Chapman, 57, Christopher Allarton, 25, and Apex Motorsport boss Richard Lloyd, 63.
Around 500 friends and relatives attended a service yesterday (April 14) in Dumfries for British Touring Car Championship star Mr Leslie, who is credited with helping the careers of aspiring drivers.
World class' racer
Mr Leslie was remembered at the service in the Crichton Memorial Church as a "gentleman", and a "world-class racing talent".
Le Mans winner Allan McNish was among those who paid tribute to Leslie during the hour-long memorial, which followed a private cremation.
Mr McNish, 38, who began his career under the guidance of Mr 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."
Mr Leslie, who lived in Banbury, Oxfordshire, began his career in kart racing before switching to cars.
He won nine races in the British Touring Car Championships, finishing second in 1999 before retiring four years later.
Crash landed
The 54-year-old had left Biggin Hill airfield en route to Pau in south-west France when the Cessna crash-landed on a housing estate.
Ray Mallock of motorsports racing team and engineering company Ray Mallock Ltd said Mr Leslie put his "heart and soul" into racing.
He said Mr Leslie would be remembered for his "grit, steely determination, his honesty and integrity".
He told mourners: "He was a great man, he was a hugely talented driver, he was a friend."
A further memorial is being held later, either at or near Silverstone, for those unable to attend yesterday.
Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart previously described Mr Leslie's death as "a great loss".
David Coulthard said Mr Leslie was "instrumental" in helping him make the transition from kart racing to cars.
Mr Leslie is survived by wife Jane and grown-up sons Graham and James.
3:56pm Tuesday 15th April 2008
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