Jimmy McRae to open three-day motoring festival which will take over the SECC and surrounding streets
Iconic driver to complete first lap on Glasgow’s bespoke street circuit
David Coulthard and the Red Bull Racing team in action across the weekend
One of the major names in Scottish motor racing and one of the country’s most iconic rally drivers, Jimmy McRae, was guest of honour at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) this morning (22nd March) for the launch of IGNITION, a brand new motoring festival destined for Glasgow this summer.
Supercars including a Lamborghini Huracan a Maserati Gran Turismo, the Red BullRacing RB7 and Colin McRae’s iconic Subaru rally car provided a fitting backdrop as organisers presented further plans. It was announced that in addition to there being a Colin McRae tribute featuring several of his cars and bikes, the five times British Rally Champion would inaugurate the events bespoke track in none other than his son’s rally car.
The Top Gear Live Stunt Team were also in action taking over one of the halls with an impressive display of precision driving giving just a glimpse of what will be on offer in the live action zones at the event in August.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Jimmy said: “Scotland is steeped in motorsport heritage, with champions on two, three and four wheels. It’s an exciting event for Glasgow and motoring fans North of the border. I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel on the Street Circuit – it will really bring the event to life and give the audience a unique experience.”
Event Director Jeremy Vaughan, commented: “It’s an honour to have Jimmy on board for IGNITION. Jimmy won the British Rally Championship five times and still competes today in historic rallying – he really is a legend. Jimmy inaugurating the circuit in Colin’s 555 Subaru WRC winning car will be a very special moment for the event and the city.”
Further highlights planned for the festival include power laps by Top Gear’s tame racing driver The Stig, beautiful displays of classic cars and memorabilia and homage paid to some of the world’s finest motor sporting heroes.
Scotland’s own F1 star, David Coulthard will also take to the specially constructed Street Circuit in the Red Bull Racing RB7, giving fans a unique opportunity to see and hear a Formula One machine up close.
There will be further track action from race, rally and supercars – as well as bikes – to make 5-7 August one of the most exciting weekends on this year’s motoring calendar.
Full details can be found via the show’s official website www.ignitionfestival.co.uk
