David Leslie

[John]

We've recently had discussions about Yvan and Vincent, in the same way what do you guys think of David Leslie and his performances over the last 10+ years?

[cos]

When given a fast car, he could do wonders... what was that race (think it was Oulton some year) when he drove half of it without any brakes but still managed a good result?

[John]

Oulten 99 I think you're referring to - finished fourth or something?

It'd be interesting to know the team politics in 1999 cos my rating of him drops a bit when I think of how Reid in 98 and Aeillo in 99 seemed to totally outclass him.

But as we've said before its not as simple as that if there's stuff going on behing the scenes.

He had some great drives in the Proton last year, some pretty good drives in that Indy Nissan in 2000 and from what I remember of Ecurie Ecosse and Honda days he was pretty handy as well.

Do you think he should have been / is worthy of being champion?

[AussieV8]

My following of David Leslie started back in the early 90's when driving the Mazda Xedos6 as I also drove one (Eunos 500 V6) and ever since then what ever he drove I hoped he would do well.

[Claw]

I think he's good enough to be champion, but in his Nissan days, he was a bit inconsistant.

[Ed- the MG fan]

He is a good driver. He was great in his independent Cavalier

[touring fan]

I don't think he was totally outclassed by Reid and Aeillo, (well they beat him but they didn't completely blow him away so to speak). I think he's a good driver and always seems friendly when I've seen him during pit lane walkabouts.

[The Stig]

David Leslie, top bloke and fine driver. Protons are in good hands with him. Think he's the perfect sort of driver for a new team. Obvious yardstick is podiums or points, but reckon the team must be delighted with his experience and input behind the scenes.
Might get even better this year.

[John]

Originally posted by touring fan
I don't think he was totally outclassed by Reid and Aeillo, (well they beat him but they didn't completely blow him away so to speak). I think he's a good driver and always seems friendly when I've seen him during pit lane walkabouts.


All I was meaning was that in 99 he had
4 poles to Aeillos 10
3 wins to Aeillos 10

In 1998
3 poles to Reids 11
2 wins to Reids 7

But as its been said thats not the only basis for comparison between team mates, so Im not meaning that he wasnt very good in 98 and 99.

[AussieV8]

Good on Proton for getting right behind the team and in a country that you would think there cars wouldn't sell.

All the best to the team and David Leslie.:)

[John]

Presumably thats the reason - because the cars dont sell as well as they could, so get into a high profile championship, prove the cars are good and see the results.

Look at the impact it had on Volvo :)


I agree - hopefully they can reach the top step of the podium a couple of times this year.

[John]

Heres a quick test for you:

Name two other bearded touring car drivers!!

[Mocko]

I only know one other bearded driver and that was an archive photo of John Watson.

[Mocko]

I'd actually like to see Leslie and Bennett sticking a couple of good wins to have it against Honda, Vauxhall and MG who are expected to win.

[McKay]

Ooh! Ooh! No... I dont know...
Will Hoy had a moustache, that was a cool moustache.

[John]

Originally posted by Mocko
I only know one other bearded driver and that was an archive photo of John Watson.

JW with a beard?? Can't see it myself!! :p

[Joanna]

James Thompson sometimes has a beard (a goatee)

[The Stig]

Plato had a beard, that's him circa 429 BC

[John]

Well I have to come clean and admit that I couldn't name anyone other than David.

Slight had a slight goatee (sorry bad pun) and Thompson sometimes has one but thats about it as far as I can think!

[AussieV8]

John Bowe who races for the Ozemail Ford Falcon team has had a beard for a VERY long time of the Uk guys not sure.