Founded by David Murray in the ’50s, the famed Ecurie Ecosse race team scored two famous wins at Le Mans with Jaguar D-types before its eventual demise. In 1983, the name was revived when Ecurie Ecosse enthusiast Hugh McCaig, re-formed the team to compete in the C2 category of the World Sportscar Championship. Four Ecosse C2 cars were built (one was completely destroyed) and the team went on to win the C2 championship in 1986.
This year two of those original Ecurie Ecosse cars have been run in the historic Group C/GTP series, while a three-car effort is planned for 2006. Asked why he had returned, McCaig senior said, “We have thoroughly enjoyed our two race meetings this year. They have been very relaxed, the driving standards have been excellent and everyone involved has been extremely friendly. We hope to do most of the meetings next year, subject to our other commitments.”
On of the Ecosse cars, “Henry” (C2/85), ran with its original 1986 Cosworth 3.3 DFL with Le Mans cams, while the second car, Ecosse “Reggie” (C2/86), ran with a rally-derived Rover V6 engine, which was lighter and more fuel efficient but less powerful than the Cosworth. In 1986, the Ecosse team earned C2 victories at Brands Hatch, Nürburgring, Spa, and Fuji to claim that year’s C2 championship.