THOUSANDS of thrilled petrolheads have been soaking up high-octane action at Scotland’s newest motoring festival.
Glasgow’s inaugural Ignition festival has been swamped by car fans craning for a glimpse of top-class drivers like Mark Webber and Scotland’s David Coulthard.
They have been whizzing around a specially constructed high-speed race track formed outside the city’s landmark Hydro venue.
However, the tight bends proved too much for one red-faced driver who crashed his £300,000 McLaren sports car into a sidewall, leaving it badly smashed.
Formula One fan Jimmy Campbell, 66, of Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, loved that fans were allowed so close to the action.
The former factory manager said: “The engines on the F1 cars are so loud you can feel the vibration come up through your feet into your rib cage.
“It’s utterly intoxicating and great to see something as amazing as this in Glasgow.”
Another festival-goer, Sheila McLeod, 33, of East Kilbride, relished the atmosphere around the street circuit.
“It’s incredible the speed they can get to on such a small track,” she said. “The acceleration certainly puts my VW Golf to shame!”
One of the biggest stars on show at the festival – which closes today – was Monaco-based ex-F1 driver David Coulthard, 45.
The former race ace revealed his son Dayton would rather take over the family business – Dumfries-based Hayton Coulthard – than follow him into the glamorous world of racing.
The star said: “He’s only eight but he’s says things like, ‘when I’m older and I’m running the transport business.’ I’m sure it would upset my brother!
“I’m not back in Scotland very often but, no matter how long you live overseas, and I’ve now lived abroad longer than in Scotland, this is still home.” Coulthard, who shares a property in Monaco with TV presenter wife Karen Minier, praised organisers for bringing the star-studded event to Scotland.
Other famous drivers attending Ignition included reigning British Touring Car champ Gordon Shedden and five-time British Rally champion Jimmy McRae.
McRae drove late son Colin’s famous Subaru Impreza world championship-winning rally car around the circuit.
Coulthard, who won 13 F1 races during a glittering career, added: “Whoever organised this and got permission deserves a bit of recognition because we have such a great history of success in motorsports in Scotland.”
Over 30,000 spectators have already attended the event, which organisers said was the most ambitious and complex motor show ever staged in Scotland.
Event director Jeremy Vaughan said: “It’s an honour to have Scotland’s own F1 legend David at our event.
“He is certainly the man of the hour and has some very loyal fans excited to see him here on his home soil.
“Hopefully this won’t be the last Scotland will see of Ignition.”
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