Tommy Dreelan has defied the recession to give young gun Rory Butcher a dream shot at Porsche Carrera Cup glory.
TOMMY DREELAN has defied the recession to give young gun RORY BUTCHER a dream shot at Porsche Carrera Cup glory.
The Aberdeen-based Irishman has been a long-time backer of the former Scottish Formula Ford champ. But the latest move signals a huge step forward in the development of one of Scottish motor racing's most succesful teams. Celtic Speed is running three cars in the Carrera Cup, with Butcher joined by GEORGE BREWSTER - who is coached by GT ace GLYNN GEDDIE - and Dreelan.
They have three Minis in the Scottish championship - and have decided to sponsor the whole series.
And Dreelan, 55, admits he has no idea where the sporting adventure is going to stop. He said: "We honestly don't have a three-year plan. It is a fun thing. "It is not a case that we have a very clear goal, it might become clearer as the season goes on and we see how Rory develops and where we want to go.
"I always wanted to give an opportunity to someone who could come through. I have been involved with Rory for about five years. It is only now that he is ready to take that step. You could say he probably could have done it last year but the team wasn't ready for it then.
"As a team we did well last year. George missed out on the ProAm 2 title by two points. He unfortunately lost it on a technicality."
Dreelan, who has run his own oil and gas business for more than 20 years, admits he was always interested in racing.
But he admitted: "We have been on the go for almost three years and it is something we want to build further, both in the Porsches and the Minis.
"I am from Ireland but I have lived a long time in Scotland and I wanted a team that represented both cultures - hence Celtic Speed.
"There is a lot more we can do. In particular I think getting Rory involved will be great for the team. Rory has a hell of a lot of potential. I am here for the fun of it. I will never be a serious driver. That is not why I do it. I am 55 and I will never really be any better than I am.
"But the team is improving all the time. I would really like to see that develop in the Porsche Carrera Cup."
Butcher started with a ProAm1 win at Brands Hatch, while Brewster had two ProAm2 wins.Team manager ALAN KEITH - who picked up the Scottish Motor Racing Club Special Award on behalf of the team in February - is convinced the future is bright.
He said: "The team works well together. We are looking forward to this year and having Rory in the car. I think it will be a step up for us."
Dreelan added: "From a ProAm1 point of view, I think Rory stands a good chance of being up there. It is not going to be easy. It is very stiff competition.
"It is a big grid, but Rory stands a good chance. When you look at what he did at Knockhill last year in my 2006 car - he was fifth in both races."
Butcher has already impressed. The Fifer said: "I am building confidence every time I am in the car. I hope to be challenging right at the front in a few meetings' time."
© Celtic Speed 2026
