James Scott Douglas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Scott Douglas
Nationality	British
Born	(1930-10-24)24 October 1930 Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England
Died	16 July 1969(1969-07-16) (aged 38) Cheshire, England

Sir James Louis Fitzroy Scott Douglas (born October 24, 1930 – died July 16, 1969) was a British racing driver. He also held the title of a Baronet, which is a special hereditary honor given by the British Crown.

Early Life and Family Title

James was born in Malmesbury, a town in Wiltshire, England. When he was young, in 1935, he inherited the title of 6th Baronet Douglas, of Springwood Park. This happened because his great-uncle, Sir George Brisbane Scott Douglas, who was the 5th Baronet, passed away without any children.

Even though it was his family's historic home for many generations, James never lived at Springwood Park. This large estate was located near Kelso, Scottish Borders.

James went to school at Wellington College, Berkshire. After his schooling, he joined the military. He served with the 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars and later with the Lothians and Border Horse.

Racing Career

James Scott Douglas was a skilled racing driver, mostly competing between 1952 and 1954. He faced some health challenges that made it hard for him to manage his weight. Despite this, he showed great talent on the race track.

In 1952, he raced for a team called Ecurie Ecosse. He drove his own Jaguar XK120 car. He achieved several good results that year. He finished third in the Grand Prix de Reims and sixth in the British Empire Trophy.

When his team decided to use the newer Jaguar C-Type cars, James needed to get one to stay with them. All the new Jaguar C-Types in the UK were already sold. So, he used his connections to buy an "export" version from France for the 1953 racing season.

He used this special car to win his only race, an event at Castle Combe Circuit. His biggest achievement in racing was also in this car. He teamed up with Guy Gale and they finished second in the tough 24 Heures de Spa Francorchamps race.

By 1954, James realized he was spending his money very quickly. He decided to move to Argentina to become a farmer. Later, he received another inheritance and returned to Britain. He had lost interest in motor racing by then. He sold his C-Type car and stopped racing. After spending his second inheritance, he worked for the Daily Express newspaper. He sold advertising space for them. He also sold everything inside Springwood Park, and the house was later torn down.

Later Life and Passing

Sir James Louis Fitzroy Scott Douglas passed away at the age of 38. He died in Bucklow, Cheshire. When he died, his special title of Baronet ended because he had no heirs.

Racing Highlights

James Scott Douglas had some notable results during his racing career. Here are some of his best finishes: