Richard Burns: The Underrated Rally Legend
If you were to ask everyone in the office to name their favorite rally driver, you’d likely hear names like Röhrl, Kankkunen, Sainz, Mäkinen, and McRae being thrown about. These drivers have certainly left their mark on the sport with their incredible talent and achievements. However, for me, there’s one name that stands out above the rest: Richard Burns.
I first became familiar with Richard Burns when my parents bought me a pair of radio-controlled rally cars – a Subaru Impreza WRC and a Peugeot 206 WRC, each bearing the names of Burns and his co-driver Robert Reid. I would spend hours drifting them across the laminate flooring of our conservatory, pretending to navigate treacherous rally stages.
The blue and yellow Subaru Impreza, driven by Burns, captured my imagination. Watching him and other rally drivers tackle challenging stages on TV only fueled my love for the sport. It was through Burns’ autobiography, “Driving Ambition,” that I gained a deeper appreciation for his journey to the top of the rallying world.
I learned that Burns had started his career in the Peugeot Challenge series, where he showed immense talent and determination. My godfather, who had competed alongside Burns in the series, shared stories of Burns’ exceptional skill and commitment on the rally stages. One particular anecdote from the Circuit des Ardennes rally in 1991 highlighted Burns’ exceptional driving ability and fearless attitude.
Burns went on to become the youngest ever British Rally Champion and later claimed the World Rally Championship title in 2001 with Subaru. His victory, against formidable opponents like Colin McRae and Tommi Mäkinen, solidified his place in rally history. To this day, Burns remains the only English driver to have won the WRC title.
Watching footage of Burns behind the wheel of a rally car is a testament to his talent. His smooth driving style, combined with Reid’s meticulous pace notes, allowed him to navigate the most challenging stages with precision and speed. Burns’ ability to read the road ahead and adapt to changing conditions set him apart from his competitors.
Richard Burns may not always be the first name that comes to mind when discussing rally legends, but his skill, determination, and championship success have earned him a place among the all-time greats. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of rally enthusiasts, myself included.
