It was a landmark moment for Scottish Racing when we headed to Dundee last August. Covering EcoRally Scotland—the first FIA international rally held in Scotland in 14 years—was a unique privilege, marking a new chapter for Motorsport Scotland on the global stage.

The first day of the event was a masterclass in precision and sustainable innovation, perfectly suited to Dundee's reputation as a hub for green mobility.

The Opening Ceremony: A Grand Return to Tayside

The weekend began with an electric atmosphere at the ceremonial start. Beneath the historic backdrop of Dundee, crews from across the globe gathered to mark the eighth round of the Bridgestone FIA EcoRally Cup. The sense of occasion was undeniable as a lone bagpiper led the international field, with words of encouragement from British Touring Car legend Gordon Shedden officially launching the competition. It wasn’t just a race; it was a celebration of how far Racing Scotland has come in embracing the future of the sport.

Conquering the "Dragon Stage"

Once the ceremony concluded, the competitive action shifted into high gear. Day one saw the 21 teams depart from the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc to tackle a demanding 155-mile route through the picturesque Tayside and Fife countryside. The highlight of the morning was the infamous "Dragon Stage"—a winding, technical stretch that tested the navigational accuracy and energy efficiency of every driver and co-driver.

The morning loop pushed the crews toward a mid-day stop at a very familiar venue: Knockhill Racing Circuit.Transitioning from the quiet efficiency of public roads to the rugged off-road track at Knockhill provided a rare moment where the electric machinery was truly unleashed. By the end of the first day, the leaderboard was tight, with international veterans and local SMRC talent alike proving that sustainable motorsport is every bit as competitive as its petrol-powered predecessors.

The Highland Loop and Final Podium

The final day of EcoRally Scotland took the competition north into the heart of the Highlands. Trading technical lowland lanes for sweeping mountain vistas, crews faced a grueling test of endurance and efficiency as they navigated toward the world-famous Queen’s View near Pitlochry.

The rally concluded with a celebratory return to Dundee for the final prizegiving at the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc. In the International category, reigning world champions Michal Žďárský and Jakub Nábělek secured the top spot for the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, local heroes James Hoyles and Iain Tullie successfully defended their title in the National class, showcasing the high-level talent within the SMRC. It was a landmark finish for Racing Scotland, proving that international rallying is back and more innovative than ever.