Scots racing stars confirmed as part of the starting line-up for the major IGNITION Festival of Motoring that’s coming to Glasgow
SCOTS racing stars Gordon Shedden and Jimmy McRae are the latest big names to sign up for action at the 2017 IGNITION Festival of Motoring.
Reigning British Touring Car Champion Shedden wowed crowds at the 2016 event with his no-holdsbarred driving. And the driver nicknamed “Flash” will once again showcase his skills on the specially commissioned street circuit.
And five-time British Rally Champion Jimmy McRae will bring a Scottish flavour to a star-studded international rally cast. IGNITION 2017 will return to SEC Glasgow from August 4-6 for an exhilarating extravaganza of cars, bikes, stunts and more.
The event, Scotland’s biggest automotive showcase, will give fans the chance to experience the sights, sounds and smells of everything from rally and drift racing to classic cars and motorbikes, as well as the biggest collection of F1 cars ever to be seen in Scotland.
Speaking at his home track of Knockhill in Fife, Shedden said: “I’m really excited to be coming back to IGNITION. I had a lot of fun driving the Ariel Nomad last year and can’t wait to get out there again in August.
“It’s always a privilege to perform in front of a Scottish crowd and the IGNITION audience will be no different. They are as knowledgeable and passionate as they come, so I’m sure it will be another fun-filled weekend for all the family.”
McRae will link up with World Rally elite Ari Vatanen, Miki Biasion, Timo Salonen, Markku Alen and Stig Blomqvist – all of whom he tussled with for silverware during a golden era for the sport during the 1980s. He joked: “I managed to beat all of them in my old MG Metro and I’m confident I can do it again on home soil. In all seriousness, they’re all former World Champions, so they are all pretty good at their job. It will be great to appear alongside them.”
Biasion will drive his Lancia Delta, Blomqvist will be reacquainted with the RS200 and Audi Quattro, Alen will take the wheel of the Lancia Stratos, while “Flying Finn” Vatanen will be reunited with his RS1800. The combination will make for an unmissable rally spectacle on the city streets.
IGNITION Festival director Cat Stanford said: “We’re thrilled to secure another champion driver in the shape of Gordon Shedden. He’s at the top of his game and this year could complete a hat-trick of consecutive BTCC title wins, so we’re very lucky to have him return to IGNITION for a second year.
“Likewise, Jimmy is a household name in Scottish motorsport. This year will see him face up to some old foes from our Rally Gods line-up, which should prove a lot of fun.”
Other festival attractions include an array of hot rods, the return of the Japspeed drift team, a celebration of Ferrari’s 70 years and a supercar grid to rival any – packed with Lamborghinis, Porsches, McLarens, Mustangs and more.