Unconfirmed: David Leslie killed in Farnborough

[Ziggy Shadow-Dust]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...nd/7322087.stm

Confirmed. David Leslie was one of the passengers in the private jet that crashed in Farnborough. That's another Scottish racer to die in an aircrash in 7 months.

RIP to him, Richard Lloyd and all else on the plane.

[Red_Bull]

I think it has been confirmed. Sad loss.

[vikiradTG2007]

I had just re-watched about 2 weeks ago the Motors TV broadcast of the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans and Leslie was part of the commentary team there. Really sad news for the sport...

[Viper007Bond]

People really need to stop flying in private helicopters and private planes.

[Gibby]

From Motors TV:

Motors TV statement: David Leslie

Motors TV would like to express its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of David Leslie, who was killed yesterday in a plane crash near Biggin Hill, Kent.

Leslie, along with four other passengers and crew, lost their lives when the plane they were travelling in went down shortly after take-off.

David was a key member of Motors TV’s commentary team and had provided stimulating, expert analysis for the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2006 and 2007, as well as being one of the voices of the channel’s Le Mans Series coverage. His loss has left his friends and colleagues at the channel devastated.

Motors TV Head of Programming Fred Viger said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of David’s death. He was a valued member of our commentary team, but much more than that, he was a gentleman and one of the nicest guys you could ever have the pleasure of meeting.

“All our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family and friends and with those of Richard Lloyd, pilot Mike Roberts and the other two victims of this terrible tragedy.”

[phuckingduck]

RIP.

[anti-net]

A great pity, David Leslie who taught and support drivers like Allan McNish and David Coulthard, He no doubt will be missed.

[vikiradTG2007]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66278

Apex to continue despite tragic losses

By Steven English Wednesday, April 2nd 2008, 09:36 GMT


Apex Motorsport owner Harry Handkammer is determined that the team will continue with their FIA GT programme this year despite the loss of team boss Richard Lloyd, driver David Leslie, and data engineer Chris Allarton in an air crash on Sunday.

The team have been developing a GT3 version of the Jaguar XKR over the last 12 months and are due to enter their first full season with the car this year.

"While our first thoughts are with their families, we know that motor racing never stops, and that Richard and David would not have wanted it to stop," said Handkammer.

"Apex will forge ahead with the Jaguar XKR GT3 programme and our entries in the FIA GT3 Championship. Before we were racing to win, now we will be racing with an added purpose - in memory of Richard, David, and Chris."

Handkammer also paid tribute to his three colleagues, who were killed when the plane taking them to an FIA GT3 test at Nogaro in southern France crashed in Kent on Sunday afternoon.

"The loss of Richard, David, and Chris has reverberated throughout British motorsport and those shock waves have obviously been felt most deeply not only by their families, but also by all of us within Apex Motorsport.

"Richard was the heart and soul of our company, and it his vision, knowledge, and enthusiasm that brought us to where we are now with the Jaguar programme. He possessed a sure but gentle touch in all that he did, and was the consummate politician in this competitive business that we all love.

"David had been involved with us for many years as a friend, colleague, and team-mate. His contribution to Apex cannot be under-estimated and he was looking forward immensely to driving with us full-time in the FIA GT3 Championship this year.

"Chris was just at the beginning of his motorsport career and was so enthusiastic about the coming season and his role as a data engineer. It's particularly tragic when a young person's life is ended prematurely and we know that he would have made a great contribution to our team."

A sad way to put up my 800th post...

[torqueless]

how tragic.

[Red_Bull]

Best thing they can do though is just to keep on with it.

[Orange1984]

O i thought this was in my home town of Farnborough but it's the one in Kent, the so not good Farnborough! none famous one
Mines in Hampshire, airshow!! this year can't wait!

[Karoug]

It was kinda wierd watching WTCC on Eurosport without David Leslie.. RIP

[Martyn]

From DailySportsCar:

Knockhill Tribute To David Leslie
This Weekend

The second corner at the Scottish track receives a name this weekend, at the Avon Tyres British GT meeting: Leslies Bend. That's the left hander between Seat Curve(s) and Scotsman.

David Leslie's widow Jane, his two sons and his father will all be present this coming Sunday, when the corner will be officially named.

Anthony Reid, David Leslie’s former BTCC Nissan team-mate, will then lap the track in a Primera, as raced by the pair in 1997.

"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," comments Knockhill’s PR manager Ray Smith