John swaps retail for revs in endurance test

Jul 22 2011 by Iain Howie, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PERTH businessman more used to steering his company through the trials of retail has proven his worth in an endurance motorsport event.

McEwens of Perth managing director John Bullough took part in this year’s 25 hour endurance race at SPA in Belgium – and won in his class.

Not only that but John also showed car class was no barrier when he gave other, more powerful vehicles a run for their money.

John helped win the petrol class in “Ecurie Escargot” driven by him, William Pembroke, James Somerten, Robin Parsons and Mark Hope.

He said: “We ended up over 10 laps ahead and even came third in the class of car above us that are lighter and have more power.

“We are all delighted with the result. Our crew were magnificent. We weren’t always the fastest, but were consistently quick and crucially, stayed out of trouble.

“There’s no point in setting a record lap if you spin off the track or over-stress the engine. It’s all about being smooth and consistent.”

The Fun Cup is Europe’s leading endurance series.

The single seat cars look like VW Beetles but that is nothing but a fibreglass silhouette that covers a thoroughbred racing car. The space frame chassis houses a 1.8 litre Audi engine that emits 140 bhp. As it only weighs 740kg, they are very fast and with racing brakes and adjustable suspension are also incredibly stable with immense grip.

John added: “They are oversized go-karts and love speed in the corners, they reward the brave and punish the weak. Come off the power at the wrong moment and it’s going to hurt!”

Ecurie Escargot, an amateur team, play on the name of Scotland’s finest ever motor racing team “Ecurie Ecosse” which was formed by David Murray in 1952.

It won the 1956 and 1957 24 hour Le Mans and also competed in Formula 1.

Ecurie Escargot are currently third in the team championships this year, which is an incredible result as many of the teams have professional drivers including touring car, formula Ford and radical champions. They hope that their next event at Brands Hatch on August 13 will see them take the lead.

This popular race series can be seen on Sky, Eurosport and Motors TV.