RIP Mike Collins

It is with extreme sadness that we at Australian Trans-Am advise today we lost one of our greats, Mike Collins. A giant of a man with a giant heart and a giant personality. A beautiful person that has been a cornerstone of ATA from near the beginning. Mike loved his MotorSport from the age of 15 and has always had a passion for fast cars. Starting in rallying, he has done a lot over his life. Pikes Peak - who amongst you can say they have been to Pikes Peak? Well, Mike not only went there but actually competed. Yep, he drove up that crazy hill! How cool would that have been? He was going back this year for the 100 Pikes Peak, alas he didn’t make it but I’m sure he will be there in spirit - hitching a ride on the fastest car.

Leyburn Sprints - I guess anyone who is interested in MotorSport knows about this. And if you don’t, well some 25 years ago Mike saw a need for some MotorSport action out in his neck of the woods. It was this vision that brought the Magic of the Leyburn Sprints to life. A non-profit fun weekend that brings a considerable amount of people and money into the region, fast cars screaming through hay bales ... you got to love it!

His intense love of the sport was such that although gravely ill he made his way to QR the weekend before he passed to have a final look-see.

Well, our hearts are breaking here so I guess the next thing to do is buy a few bottles of Jameson Irish Whiskey and have a drink to the memory of one of ATA's favourite Sons.