RML Events
Digital Image Recorder
31/03/2008
DAVID LESLIE 1953-2008
Everyone at RML was shocked and saddened to hear of the death yesterday of David Leslie, one of three passengers on board a private twin-engined jet which crashed into houses in Farnborough, Kent shortly after takeoff from Biggin Hill airport.
David was en route to Nogaro to test the Jaguar GT3 car with Richard Lloyd, a 25 year old mechanic, and two pilots. There were no survivors.
It was particularly shocking news for RML as David's association with the company spanned nearly two decades, beginning in the Ecurie Ecosse days of the early '80s and including a spell on site as Works Manager at RML during one of the company's most difficult times in the early 2000's.
'David and I won many Group C2 races together in the '80s,' said Ray Mallock. 'We also co-drove the works Aston Martin AMR1 in '88 and '89 before David moved into Touring Cars. He gave RML its first Touring Car win at Thruxton in 1993 in the Cavalier.
'After that of course he came to major prominence in the Nissan.'
No motorsports fan who was around to witness the hectic BTCC battles of the late '90s will forget David's heroic efforts in the RML-prepared Primera. The Dumfries man's steely determination and informed feedback played a big part in taking Nissan to the BTCC Manufacturers' title in both 1998 and 1999, with a runner-up position in the '99 Drivers' Championship coming as a personal reward for his consistency.
When he wasn't driving himself, David was helping others to improve in his lesser-known role as driving coach. Both David Coulthard and Allan McNish benefited greatly from his experience and patience. His quiet modesty made him a perfect role model for anyone stepping into the intense arena of motor racing.
'David never pushed himself forward or put anyone else down,' said Ray Mallock. 'He was a true gentleman, a superb and very fair driver, and a great supporter of RML. Our two families were very close. We took holidays together.
'We have truly lost a good friend. Our thoughts are with his wife Jane and sons Graham and James.'
