20th February 2012

In 2011, Ecurie Ecosse competed in the Spa 24 Hours with an Aston Martin. This year the famous Scottish team still supported by Barwell Motorsport has entered a BMW Z4 GT3 in the Blancpain Endurance Series.

Ecurie Ecosse is a legend in the world of endurance. Founded 60 years ago by David Murray, it was one of the top privateers in the first ten years of its existence. The Edinburgh-based team had close links with Jaguar and ran Type Cs, Ds, Listers and Tojieros on British and international circuits. Its two outright Le Mans victories in 1956 and 1957 formed the basis of its legend.

After falling into oblivion, Ecurie Ecosse managed by Hugh McCaig enjoyed a second life in the 80s. The team shone in Group C2 with the Ray Mallock-built Ecosses and then raced successfully in the BTCC with Vauxhall.

So 2011 was a second renaissance for the prestigious Scottish outfit, which should not be confused with Scuderia Ecosse. This year its BMW has been entered for the Blancpain Series and the first two drivers nominated are Andrew Smith and Joe Twyman. It will also race in the British GT Championship in the hands of Oliver Bryant and Alasdair McCaig.

Hugh McCaig, who is still the team principal, makes no bones about his ambition to come back to Le Mans: “Our final aim is to return to Le Mans and this programme is a big step in this direction.”

Text: François Hurel – Photo: DR