Ecurie Ecosse have recently completed a productive data gathering session at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park after setting up their base outside Toronto. Gary Slater completed over 120 laps running in the Audi powertrain as the team commits to a 3 year supply deal with Ingolstadt. VRR Network caught up with Gary and team principal Steven McTavish;
VRR: Your team has recently confirmed a 3 year deal for Audi engines covering the 2016 to 2018 seasons. Why choose these engines?
Steven McTavish: We've seen how reliable Audi's engines have proven to be in international sportscar racing and we are all confident they can deliver a powerful combination wth the DW12 chassis. Chevrolet and Honda may have more experience, but we still hope to be competitive.
VRR: Gary, how do you feel the test went judging by the mileage you put in?
Gary Slater: We felt the test was very successful and we gathered plentiful amounts of data on how the Audi powerplant is performing. We only had a few electrical niggles with it being an all new engine in this type of chassis, but those were easily rectified. We now intend to focus our efforts on the upcoming Monster Shootout.
VRR: How do you feel about the Honda Indy Toronto dropping off the calendar?
SMcT: We were all disappointed that Toronto had to be dropped as it was a very popular circuit with drivers and fans, but we accepted the decision and we are still glad that Indycar is still racing in Canada at Trois-Rivieres and here at Mosport.
VRR: This might be a bit early to ask, but are there any plans in place for 2017?
SMcT: The team is looking to expand to 2 cars next season and we hope to begin negotiations to find a driver during the second half of the 2016 season.
VRR: Gary, is there any particular driver you would wish to have as your teammate?
GS: Initially, I hope we can speak to Michael White after his run with NCTX to see if we can encourage him to run a full season with us next year. I doubt we could lure drivers like Stephanie Porter or Sebastian Devereux over from Coca-Cola-BRRT as I assume they would be on a multi-year contract lockdown. It's a shame, but that's what happens.
VRR: One last question for you, how are you preparing for the oval races in the season?
SMcT: Gary will be doing some racing in stock cars to get used to the high speed tension that oval racing will bring.
VRR: Thank you for your time gentlemen.
GS & SMcT: You're welcome.
