McNish edged out in Harrier race

Allan McNish and the Harrier jet cross the finishing line Enlarge Image

Dumfries driver Allan McNish has narrowly lost out in the most unusual race of his lengthy career.

HE was behind the wheel of his diesel powered Audi R10 in a head-to-head challenge with a Harrier GR7 "jump jet" at RAF Wittering near Peterborough.

From a standing start the Doonhamer sped down a taxi-way next to a runway in the 1km challenge.

Although the former Le Mans winner took an early lead, he was eventually beaten on the line by one tenth of a second.

The contest was staged at the annual family and friends day at the English RAF base with the jet piloted by Flt Lt Pete Keenlyside.

"I had a practice run against the Harrier moments before the race proper and I came very close to beating it - it was a very close run contest," said McNish.

"It was essentially a 'fun' race, but when a racing driver and a pilot get together it quickly becomes serious."

He added that to run the plane so close was a "tremendous achievement".