Jakub Kondraciuk 

Scotland has seen some spectacular racing venues held over the years. However, the only track left standing today that offers a sanctioned high-speed thrill to modern motor racing is Knockhill Racing Circuit in Fife.  

Over the last 30 years later, Scottish motorsport has become less prominent for the quality of drivers, lack of infrastructure and huge running costs to turn the wheel on a racetrack.  

The infamous Ingliston circuit closed their doors back in the 1990s after failing to keep up with safety standards and the lack of development to require an FIA grade licence that attracts locals, let alone top tier racing categories such as the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship) which race around some of the most ventured tracks in not only the UK, but the world. Silverstone, Donington Park and Brands Hatch just to name a few. 

Scotland is struggling to make a name for itself again in motor racing, despite seeing some of the most iconic and profound names in motorsport. Jim Clark, Sir Jackie Stewart, Colin McRae and David Coulthard are just a handful of names that Scotland have seen rise to the pinnacle of motor racing in its heyday between 1960-2000.  

Image below is from Caluier archive 

The lack of life in both the racetracks and the drivers coming up through the ranks, is what’s holding the nation back in keeping up with the ever-progressing formula culture in Motorsport. According to Autosport magazine, critics argue that Processional racing such as Grand Touring cars and rallying in modern day is a less exciting experience for spectators despite there being hopium for a new Rally GB event to be held in Aberdeen.

Image below is from Shutterstock

There is currently only one Scottish driver who has made his way through the junior formula categories. Cian Shields is the most recent driver to experience the pinnacle of Motorsport, but that’s also thanks to the main problem today in not only motor racing, but other sports too. Money. 

Despite finishing last (24^th) in the FIA Formula 2 championship, he has been linked with Aston Martin’s Formula 1 team and its junior programme and by backing from sponsors, he earned a Free practice run at the end of 2025 season. Despite this, there’s nothing suggesting that there’s potential in Shields progressing further through the ranks beyond Formula 2.  

This goes to show that not only is there a lack of life in Scottish Motorsport, but there’s also low investment involved with backing young drivers through the smaller categories, which in turn doesn’t allow any talent to shine beyond their potential.  

Hopefully, over the long term will pick back up again as Scottish Motorsport is not dead just yet!