Following the recent tragic death of top Scottish motor racing star David Leslie
in a plane crash, Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre, Knockhill Racing Circuit
has announced a special tribute to the amiable, Annan born racer who was held in
extremely high regard by his motor racing peers.
The Fife Circuit, where Leslie raced so successfully and introduced,
encouraged and guided many newcomers to the sport including Scottish
stars David Coulthard, Allan McNish and Dario Franchitti will officially
name one of the track’s trickiest corners after the well loved gentleman
of Scottish motor sport.
David’s widow Jane, accompanied by their sons James and Graham and David’s
father David Snr, who is also well known in the motor racing industry, will
attend the prestigious Avon Tyres British GT Championship event this Sunday
(13th April) to mark the occasion.
From Sunday onwards, ‘Leslie’s’ Bend will become permanent on the famous
circuit’s map and on the commentary. The left hand corner comes immediately
after the track’s infamous first corner ‘SEAT Curve’ and significantly, was
the scene of a spectacular roll over crash for David in 1993 when a steering
failure on his Ecurie Ecosse Vauxhall Cavalier saw his car disappear over the
tyre wall and into the Knockhill scenery. David walked away unscathed.
The Circuit has also arranged for David’s 1997 British Touring Car Championship
Nissan Primera to be demonstrated on the track on Sunday by his then team mate,
fellow Scottish racing driver Anthony Reid.
Circuit PR Manager Ray Smith said “We are honoured that David’s family and close
friend Anthony Reid have willingly agreed to attend this Sunday’s race meeting
to help everyone who will be here honour a great racing driver, sportsman,
gentleman and friend.”
