EcoBoost Scot wins top award 06 | 06 | 2013
THE SCOT BEHIND Ford’s smallest petrol engine — the super-frugal, turbo-charged, direct injection 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine — has received the prestigious Jim Clark Memorial Award.
Andrew Fraser (pictured, left), Ford’s gasoline calibration manager, received the award at a special presentation ceremony in Troon.
The Jim Clark Memorial Award is in memory of the double Formula One World Champion who, in a Lotus 49 at the Dutch Grand Prix in 1967, gave Ford its first ever F1 win with the new Ford-Cosworth V8 Grand Prix engine.
Now in its fifth decade, the award is presented annually to a deserving Scot by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers. Previous winners include motorsport legends Sir Jackie Stewart, Allan McNish, David Coulthard, Louise Aitken-Walker, Colin McRae and world land speed record breaker, Richard Noble OBE.
Fraser headed up the team which developed Ford’s high-tech new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, after becoming Gasoline Powertrain Development manager in 2006.
Born in Perth in 1964, Fraser attended George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh and went on to study mechanical engineering at Edinburgh University. He joined Ford in 1986, working in the UK and USA on petrol and diesel engines.
“Our objective with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was to deliver an engine with no compromises," a delighted Fraser explained, "providing best-in-class fuel economy, outstanding driveability and excellent refinement.
"Customer response has been overwhelming and to receive this prestigious award in recognition of this achievement is tremendous.
"I am proud to follow in the footsteps of Scottish legends such Jim Clark, Sir Jackie Stewart and Colin McRae.”
The presentation was made by ASMW President Alisdair Suttie.
“It gives the ASMW enormous pleasure to present Andrew Fraser with this year’s trophy," Suttie said.
"His work is not only at the leading edge of engine development, it has a global impact on the cars we drive. Once again, it shows Scots engineers are still the best in the world.”
Jim Clark, A Tribute to a Champion now available as eBook
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Jim McGill